Ariya didn't believe in fairy tales. But she did believe in timing, and her timing was flawless.
The next morning, Seoyeon High was buzzing with whispers. Not about exam scores. Not about clubs. About her. The new girl who walked in like she owned the place and snagged a seat next to Ryan, the golden boy Omega, without even blinking.
Ariya walked through the school gates with a calm smile, her long dark hair loose and bouncing against the back of her blazer. Her uniform fit like it had been tailored short enough to be bold, neat enough to keep the teachers off her back. Her skirt swayed just right when she walked, and her lips were glossed in a shade of danger.
Ryan wasn't waiting, but she didn't need him to be. She found her way to class and took her seat, tossing her bag down with practiced ease.
"Morning."
She turned. Ryan, all warm brown eyes and sunshine in a school uniform offered her a soft smile.
"Hey," she replied smoothly, letting the syllable linger just a bit.
Behind them, a chair scraped.
Ariya's gaze flicked to the side.
Jinwoo.
Black-haired, sharp-jawed, and brooding like a thunderstorm. His uniform was crisp, and sleeves rolled up just enough to show his veins. His tie hung loose, like he couldn't be bothered. His eyes, dark and unreadable, landed on her for half a second and then slid away.
But not before she caught it. That flicker of recognition.
He remembered her.
Ariya's lips curled.
"Still up for tutoring?" she asked Ryan.
"Yeah," he said, already pulling out his notebook. "After class?"
"Perfect."
And then, without meaning to, she glanced at Jinwoo.
He wasn't looking at her.
He was staring out the window, jaw tight.
Lolo slid into the seat beside her, chewing gum and looking entirely too amused.
"You're playing a dangerous game," Lolo whispered.
"I don't play games," Ariya replied, eyes locked on the back of Jinwoo's head. "I win them."
The bell rang.
Class started.
And all Ariya could think was: He remembers me. Good. Now let's see what he does with that.
Later, Ariya slid into her seat, feeling eyes boring into her back. She didn't have to turn to know who it was.
Jinwoo stood at the door, arms crossed, eyes narrowed like a storm ready to break.
He stepped in, voice low but cutting.
"Thought you'd try to play me, huh? Using Ryan to get under my skin."
Ariya met his gaze without flinching, a slow smirk curling her lips.
"Funny. I thought you were supposed to be cold and untouchable. But here you are watching me like a hawk. Maybe you're not as ice-cold as you pretend."
Jinwoo's jaw twitched. "I don't have time for games. Stay out of my way."
"Oh, I'm not in your way," Ariya said, leaning forward. "I'm the only thing you can't control."
His voice dropped to a dangerous growl. "You don't know anything about me."
"Oh, I know you better than you think." She tilted her head, eyes sharp. "Cold. Brooding. Hiding something messy beneath all that attitude."
"Keep talking, and you'll regret it," Jinwoo warned, stepping closer.
She didn't back up.
"Try me."
For a long moment, they just stared. Then Jinwoo's lips curled into a bitter smile.
"This isn't over."
"No," Ariya said quietly. "It's just beginning."
And in that charged silence, their faces drifted closer breath mingling, hearts racing before Jinwoo abruptly stepped back.
The classroom door burst open.
Lolo stormed in, cheeks flushed, eyes wide with excitement and worry.
"Ariya! Are you okay? What just happened?" she demanded, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Ariya blinked, caught off guard but too wired to lie.
"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to sound casual but failing.
Lolo didn't buy it.
"No way. You looked like you were about to..."
"Almost kiss," Ariya finished, rolling her eyes but smiling faintly.
Lolo gasped dramatically.
"Girl, spill! Does Jinwoo have a secret crush, or is he just losing it?"
Ariya shrugged, letting some tension go.
"Maybe a little of both."
Lolo grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"You better watch out. Things are about to get crazy."
Ariya smirked, looking Lolo dead in the eye.
"Bring it on."
Lolo bounced in her seat.
"But seriously, who knew you had it in you? Playing with fire like that."
Ariya smirked wider.
"Maybe I like the heat."
Lolo laughed, shaking her head.
"Just promise me you won't get burned."
Ariya gave a playful wink.
"No promises."