Alexander's POV
"Good morning, Xander," Alpha's voice echoed through the room.
"Ugh… why should it be morning already?" I muttered, yawning and feeling drained.
I'd moved to California just a few weeks ago — more like exile than relocation.
Life back in Texas was pure chaos.
Mom and Dad couldn't go a single day without fighting. It was exhausting — like breathing smoke every day.
I dragged myself out of bed, took a quick shower, dressed up, made breakfast, and ate silently.
Then I grabbed my backpack and headed for school.
Guess I'll have to cope somehow.
"Fingerprint verified," Alpha's voice said as the front door clicked open.
"Bye," I replied dryly.
Sliding into my sports car, I started the engine and zoomed off toward school.
Ella's School — my new battlefield.
The best I could come up with in all of California.
I made my way to class, keeping my usual cold composure.
No need for introductions.
I prefer sitting alone — fewer people to talk to, fewer chances to get hurt.
I checked the timetable.
English, first period.
Perfect. Boring enough to sleep through.
I laid my head on my desk and waited for the teacher to arrive.
Holly's POV
"Bye, Dad!" I said, hopping down from the car.
"Have a nice day, kiddo!" he called out, his laughter warm and contagious.
Then, his voice softened. "Just… be happy, okay?"
I smiled, though a part of me always worried about him.
"Yeah, Dad. But will you be fine?" I asked, looking into his eyes.
"I'll always be fine for you, baby," he said with a grin that made me chuckle.
"I'll get going now," I said, waving.
"Make new friends, alright?" he said, ruffling my hair.
"I will!" I promised before walking off toward the building.
The hallway was crowded — students everywhere, some laughing, some glued to their phones.
I scanned around, trying to find the Principal's office for my registration.
Thankfully, a kind girl helped me out.
I was in such a rush I forgot to even ask her name.
Taking a deep breath, I knocked and walked into the office.
"Good morning, sir," I greeted politely.
"Morning," replied the man — mid to late forties, glasses perched low on his nose.
He looked every bit the classic principal.
"Well, are you going to tell me why you're here, or just keep staring?" he said, lowering his glasses a little.
I blinked, embarrassed. "I'm here for my registration, sir."
He nodded, passed me a form, and I quickly filled it out.
After what felt like forever, he picked up his telephone and made a call.
📞 "I need you in my office right now. It's important."
…
📞 "No, nothing's wrong," he added before hanging up.
Moments later, a young lady — probably in her late twenties — walked in.
"Morning, sir," she greeted.
"Morning, Miss Ashley. I called because this young lady here will be joining your class," he said, adjusting his glasses again.
"Got it," she replied, turning to me with a warm smile.
"And what's your name, dear?"
"I'm Holly," I said shyly.
"Well, I'm your class teacher now. Come with me," she said cheerfully.
"Sure," I replied, following her out.
When we stepped into the classroom, everyone turned.
"Good morning, Miss Ashley," the class chorused.
"Morning," she replied with a smile. "I just wanted to introduce your new classmate."
Then she gestured toward me. "Go ahead, tell them about yourself."
I swallowed hard, feeling awkward. "My name is Holly. Nice meeting you all."
A few students replied "welcome," while others barely looked up.
"What's your seat number?" Miss Ashley asked.
"Twenty-four," I said quickly.
"Perfect. That's the last seat — right there," she said, pointing toward a guy sitting alone near the window.
"Thanks," I said quietly and walked over.
He didn't even look at me at first.
When he finally did, I managed a small, "Hi."
He just stared, expression blank — then turned away and rested his head back on the desk.
And that was how my first day started… sitting beside the coldest guy in class.
Alexander's POV
I noticed someone sit beside me. Must be the new girl.
I lifted my head slowly — yeah, it's her.
She greeted, but I ignored her and rested my head back down.
After what felt like forever, our English teacher walked in and started the lesson.
To my surprise, it was actually fun.
She had this way of teaching — throwing in funny examples that made the whole class laugh.
I didn't join in, but I couldn't help the small smirk that crept across my face once or twice.
By lunch hour, the classroom began to empty.
I just stared out the window, watching everyone leave — some heading to the cafeteria, others to the field for the football match.
The cheers from outside echoed faintly.
I spotted Bella — loud, confident, and always surrounded by people — walking toward us.
I sighed and leaned back, silently wishing the bell would just ring again.
Holly's POV
I still can't figure out why this puppy guy ignored me.
Was it my poker face?
No, it can't be — I've practiced that a lot.
Did I somehow annoy him already?
I kept asking myself questions I couldn't answer.
Curiosity was slowly eating me up.
It was just the two of us left in the classroom now — me and the so-called puppy guy.
I call him that because… well, he's just too perfect.
His face — cool, calm, and annoyingly handsome.
His long black hair tied neatly in a ponytail.
Those eyelashes — long and sharp.
And those hazel eyes, bright and deep enough to drown in.
Even his lips — soft, pink, curved — and that flawless white set of teeth like a picture-perfect smile template.
I couldn't believe it, but I was falling for him at first sight.
Lost in my own dreamy world, I didn't even notice someone standing in front of me.
"Back to this world," a familiar voice said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I blinked and looked up — it was the girl from earlier, the one who helped me find the principal's office.
"Hey, what's up? Thanks for your help," I said quickly, happy to see at least one friendly face.
"My pleasure," she said, sitting casually on a desk.
"Are you busy?" I asked, smiling a little.
"Uh, yeah. I've got a match to play — it's the male and female football competition today," she said, grabbing her bag.
"Oh, okay," I said, feeling a bit disappointed but trying to hide it.
"Need me for something?" she asked, noticing my expression.
"Yeah, I was hoping you could show me around the school," I admitted.
She frowned apologetically. "Aww, sorry. I can't right now, but you can come watch the football match! It's a big deal here."
She leaned in and playfully pecked my forehead before heading toward the door.
"We didn't properly introduce ourselves," I called after her.
She paused, turned, and smiled.
"My bad. I'm Bella," she said, stretching out her hand.
"I'm Holly," I replied, shaking it gently. "Nice meeting you. And thanks again."
"Same here," she said, flashing her bright smile before leaving the classroom.
As soon as she was gone, the silence returned.
My eyes drifted back to the puppy guy beside me — my quiet, mysterious seatmate.
Maybe I shouldn't, but I couldn't help stealing another glance at him.
Something about him just… pulled me in.