Chapter 2 - chapter 1

🐥🐥🐥

The clouds loomed dark and heavy in the sky, casting a gloomy veil over the morning. The weather was dreadful—windy and foreboding—but Liya refused to ride to school with Jaden. She was furious. That morning, he had "accidentally," as he put it, broken her favorite hair clip. But she didn't buy the excuse. It wasn't the first time he had damaged something she cared about and brushed it off as an accident.

Fuming, she chose to walk to school instead, ignoring the cold air nipping at her skin. Her steps were brisk and filled with anger. Behind her, Jaden's car crept along the road, following her closely. He rolled down the window, calling out her name with urgency, his voice filled with remorse.

"Liya! I'm sorry—I didn't mean to! Please, just get in the car!"

But she didn't stop. She didn't even look back. The frustration in her chest was too loud to hear anything else.

Yes, they were the best of siblings—inseparable, loving, and fiercely loyal. But like all close bonds, theirs wasn't without its cracks. The arguments began when Liya's features started to change, subtly at first, as she began to grow into a young woman.

One day, Jaden had teased her about it—not out of malice, but with the careless mockery of a boy who didn't understand the weight of his words. But for Liya, it was humiliating. His laughter echoed in her mind long after the moment had passed.

She was so embarrassed that she refused to go to school for an entire week. Instead, she locked herself in her room, shutting everyone out—including Jaden. No matter how many times he knocked or called her name from behind the door, she wouldn't answer.

Jaden knew Liya too well to take her anger seriously. He was confident she wouldn't stay mad at him for long, so his apology came with a grin and a laugh, as if it were all a joke.

Liya, though not truly furious anymore, still refused to get in the car. Even when the first drops of rain began to fall, she kept walking, her pride keeping her steps steady.

This time, Jaden had enough. He pulled over, stepped out of the car, and jogged after her.

"Liya," he called, reaching for her arm, "you're going to get soaked."

She shook him off, her silence louder than words. He didn't like forcing her—he never did—but he also couldn't stand seeing her drenched just because of her stubbornness.

Without another word, he took off his jumper and gently draped it over her head.

She immediately tried to push it off, but he held it in place, one hand firm and playful at the same time.

"Just wear it," he said softly, his voice losing its usual teasing tone. "You'll catch a cold."

And for a moment, under the falling rain and the warmth of his jumper, she paused. Not because she wasn't still upset, but because his quiet care spoke louder than any apology.

She shot him a fierce glare, her eyes sharp with irritation. But Jaden only met her gaze with that familiar, crooked grin—the one that always disarmed her.

Her resolve wavered. With a reluctant sigh, her expression softened. No matter how hard she tried, she could never stay mad at him. His quiet acts of care always melted the anger from her heart.

Without a word, she reached up and tugged on his ear, making him wince as she dragged him back toward the car.

"You're so annoying," she muttered, scolding him under her breath. "One day, I'll leave you out in the rain."

Jaden only laughed, rubbing his ear as he followed her obediently. Moments like this reminded them both that no matter how many times they fought, their bond was unbreakable.

They finally arrived at school—Madington High, one of the most prestigious institutions in M City.

Though Liya was older, she was technically Jaden's junior in class. Jaden's exceptional intelligence had placed him ahead, allowing them to share the same year level. Still, their classes were separated based on academic performance: Jaden was in the top class, while Liya was placed in the second.

That morning, however, their usual dynamic didn't matter much—they were late. The school gates loomed ahead, and the campus buzzed with the usual morning rush, but their footsteps were hurried, almost guilty. It was going to be one of those days.

Jaden headed to his class, and Liya to hers. As always, Jaden walked in without a hint of worry. He was well-known and well-liked by both teachers and students alike. His charm, intelligence, and consistent top scores made him nearly untouchable—late or not, he rarely faced consequences.

Liya, on the other hand, was just as famous, but for different reasons. She was known as Jaden's older sister, the one who supposedly held him back with her mediocre grades. Whispers followed her in the hallways, calling her Little Black Cat. Though cats were often associated with cuteness, the nickname wasn't meant kindly. Still, Liya never let it bother her. She wore her reputation like armor—quiet, proud, and untouchable in her own way.

When she entered her classroom, Mr. Kim was already there. The strict and sharp-tongued English teacher was infamous throughout the school for his no-nonsense attitude and his love for public humiliation. Students feared him—most wouldn't dare show up late.

But Liya was an exception.

Somehow, she was the only student who ever managed to stand her ground with Mr. Kim. A single word or well-timed response from her, and he would back down. No one quite knew how she did it, but it worked.

This time, Mr. Kim narrowed his eyes at her from behind his desk. She paused at the door, her expression briefly guilty. But then, with a resigned sigh, he simply shook his head and gestured for her to enter.

As soon as she stepped inside and made her way to her seat, the guilt on her face vanished. She slid into her chair beside her deskmate—her best friend, Judie—and greeted her with a subtle smile.

Judie, as usual, lit up at the sight of her. What Liya knew—and never brought up—was that Judie had harbored a long-time crush on Jaden. It was a quiet kind of longing, tucked away behind shy glances and nervous laughs.

"Late again?" Judie whispered, raising an eyebrow.

Liya smirked, leaning back in her chair as though she hadn't just walked into the lion's den unscathed. "You know me."