The bell rang across Aldren Academy, echoing through the halls. Only five minutes left before class officially began.
Despite walking all the way from home, a distance that would make most students collapse halfway. Kaelith still made it right on time, stepping into the building just as the final chime faded.
"Good morning, class," Professor Jareth greeted warmly, chalk already in hand.
At that exact moment, Kaelith entered, head slightly lowered, and walked straight to his desk without a word.
Jareth's sharp eyes followed him, a flicker of curiosity flashing across his face.
How did he arrive so quickly? His house is much too far for him to be here this early...
Meanwhile, one of the students — a boy infamous for his cloning ability and his endless pranks smirked to himself. With a casual motion, he tugged Kaelith's chair back just enough so that if Kaelith sat, he'd come crashing to the floor in front of everyone.
But Kaelith wasn't careless. His senses were too sharp, too alert. Instead of sitting, he remained standing, eyes fixed on the board as Professor Jareth began writing.
"Mr. Veylaries," Jareth said, pausing to look over his shoulder, "why are you standing there?"
Kaelith didn't want to cause a scene. With calm restraint, he shook his head and replied politely,
"Sir, I was just about to sit."
A ripple of muffled laughter spread through the class.
Ignoring it, Kaelith gripped his chair firmly this time, making sure it stayed in place. Only then did he sit down, his expression steady, as if nothing had happened.
Although the classroom was full, no one dared to sit too close to Kaelith. It wasn't because of his looks—if anything, he was striking, almost flawless. What unsettled people were his eyes. One carried a deep golden hue, the other an icy blue. Beautiful to some, eerie to others.
"Psst!"
Thalos, the same boy who had tried pulling Kaelith's chair earlier whispered while flicking a piece of chalk at him.
Kaelith didn't even glance back. His hand kept moving across his notebook, calm and steady. With his other hand, he simply caught the chalk midair, without looking, and placed it on the desk.
"Huh?"
The whole class froze, staring in disbelief.
Kaelith finally turned his head, his face drawn into a faint frown.
"What is it?"
Professor Jareth noticed the exchange and looked up again.
" Mr Veylaries, why are you talking in my class?"
Before Kaelith could reply, the classroom door opened. A girl stepped in. She had flowing blue hair that reached her waist, and her eyes were as clear as crystal water.
The boys stared, almost entranced.
"Whoa… she's an angel," Renjiro blurted out.
"Shut up, Renjiro," someone hissed.
Professor Jareth smiled politely.
"Everyone, this is Seraphina. She'll be joining our class from today. Treat her well."
"Yes, sir," the students chorused.
"Seraphina, you may choose a seat."
Without hesitation, she walked past the gawking stares and stopped beside Kaelith. She placed her bag down and sat next to him.
Kaelith's eyes widened slightly. Why me…?
Across the room, the girls started whispering with thinly veiled bitterness.
"She actually sat beside him?"
"What is she thinking…?"
Meanwhile, Seraphina turned her head and smiled softly at Kaelith. He hesitated before meeting her gaze.
"Wow… your eyes—"
"I know," Kaelith cut in, his voice flat. "They're strange."
Instead of agreeing, Seraphina reached out gently, pulling his head back to face her. Her eyes lit up.
"No. They're beautiful. I like them."
Kaelith froze, stunned. Heat rushed up his face, and he quickly looked away.
"…Thanks."
A ripple of frustration passed through the class. No one was listening to Jareth's lecture anymore, all attention fixed on the two of them.
Seraphina leaned closer and whispered, "I'm Seraphina. What about you?"
"Kaelith Veylaries," he replied quietly.
"That's a nice name," she said warmly. Her lips curved into a smile. "Looks like I've just found my first friend."
Kaelith blinked. Friend? That word felt unfamiliar, almost foreign to him. No one had ever called him that before.
"Kaelith, aren't you copying the notes?" Seraphina asked suddenly.
"Oh—right!" He scrambled, flipping open his notebook again.
They both laughed quietly and continued writing side by side, as if the rest of the class had vanished.
The bell rang again, signaling break time. Professor Jareth walked out, and the students began packing up their books and lunchboxes.
Seraphina stood with her lunch in hand, but Kaelith remained at his desk, head resting on his folded arms.
"Kaelith, aren't you going to eat?" she asked softly, her tone carrying a hint of worry.
Kaelith lifted his head, meeting her gaze. Her eyes looked almost sad.
"I'm fine. I'm not hungry," he said.
"No. That's impossible. You haven't eaten anything since morning," she pressed, frowning. "Your parents wouldn't let you come to school empty-handed… right?"
His chest tightened. He didn't know how to answer. The truth was, his mother had left him money, but he had secretly slipped it back into her bag before leaving. He couldn't bring himself to use it.
"I… ate before coming," he lied awkwardly.
Seraphina narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. With sudden force, she dropped her lunchbox onto his desk and leaned down so her face was level with his.
"Then I'll share mine with you."
Kaelith opened his mouth to refuse, but Seraphina's sharp stare cut him off.
"Whether you like it or not—you're eating with me."
His eyes widened, his thoughts racing. What is she doing? Eating with a girl… that's too strange.
"Kaelith," she said gently this time, "let's eat. Please."
He sat frozen, unsure how to respond. Then, without waiting for permission, Seraphina tore off a portion of her noodles and slipped it into his mouth.
His eyes snapped to hers, startled, but she only smiled back before wiping the corner of his lips with a tissue.
The classroom fell into silence. Every student had stopped eating, whispering to each other as they watched the scene unfold.
Kaelith finally pushed his chair back. "That's enough, Seraphina. Thank you… but I need to go." His voice was firm. He stood and walked quickly toward the door.
Seraphina's eyes widened, panic flashing across her face. Did I upset him? She hurriedly gathered her things and ran after him.
"Wait—Kaelith! Please wait!"
He had stopped near the basketball court, his figure still and quiet. Seraphina ran across the yard toward him, calling his name.
Suddenly, a ball flew over the fence with brutal force, spinning straight toward her.
Kaelith turned at the sound. In an instant, he gauged the distance, his body tensing. With one swift step, he darted forward, his foot striking the ball away before it could hit her.
The players froze, whispering in shock.
"Who's that guy…?"
But Seraphina had already stumbled, losing her balance. She fell straight into Kaelith's chest, her arms wrapping around him as they both tumbled to the ground.