The morning bell rang, shrill and merciless.
She moved through the halls like a ghost, clutching her books to her chest. Whispers followed her still—remnants of yesterday's cafeteria explosion. They always did. But this morning, they felt different. Sharper. Carried on curious glances, half-hidden smirks.
They're watching. Waiting for me to crack.
She kept her face blank, her steps steady, even though her insides churned.
Then she saw him.
Kai leaned against the wall outside their classroom, hands shoved in his pockets, hair falling carelessly across his dark eyes. He wasn't talking to anyone—didn't need to. His presence alone pulled attention. A few girls nearby giggled under their breath, sneaking glances at him like he was a secret they wanted to unwrap.
But Kai didn't look at them.
The second she stepped into the hall, his eyes locked on her.
It was like a spotlight cutting through the noise—his gaze steady, unreadable, too intense. She looked away instantly, heat crawling up her neck.
When she finally slipped into her seat, her fake friends gave her the same smiles as always, but their whispers carried daggers."Did you hear what happened yesterday?""She's always in the middle of it."
She forced her mask tighter, nodding, pretending, laughing where she was supposed to. But every time she dared a glance up, Kai was there—sitting at his desk now, watching her. Not like the others. Not cruel. Not amused. Just… seeing.
The teacher's voice filled the room, but it was drowned out by the weight of his gaze.
And when their eyes met again, she swore she caught it—just for a second. That same flicker of sadness in him, buried deep but shining through. Like he was carrying ghosts he'd never let anyone touch.
It was maddening. Terrifying. And somehow… she couldn't look away.