The morning sunlight entered softly through the curtains, scattering gold across Alena's room. Today wasn't just another day. Today was her first day at the art school.
She had woken up earlier than usual, and her stomach was already full of nerves and excitement. She got ready and went down to breakfast.
Martha had gone out of her way this morning, filling the table with warm pancakes, fresh fruit, and a glass of milk.
"Eat well, dear," she said, placing an extra spoon of honey on Alena's plate. "First days need extra energy."
Alena smiled faintly, grateful. "Thank you."
The food calmed her nerves a little, but as soon as she stepped outside the mansion and into the crisp morning air, it all came rushing back.
She stood near the car, fiddling with the strap of her bag, her foot nudging a loose stone on the ground over and over. Aiden was supposed to drive her, but he was late. Every passing minute made her chest feel tighter.
Just then, a familiar voice teased from behind her, "Whoa, crybaby, you're still here?"
Alena turned sharply, mock-glaring at Kieran. These days, he rarely calls her by her name. Instead, "crybaby" had become his chosen nickname.
"I'm not a crybaby, Mr. Mafia," she shot back, puffing her cheeks in annoyance.
Kieran grinned, stepping closer. "Oh, really?" His hand reached out before she could dodge, ruffling her neatly done hair.
"Kieran!" she protested, pushing his hand away, but he was faster, messing up her hair until strands fell loose around her face.
She sighed, half-amused, half-annoyed. "You really had to do this on my first day of school?"
"It's fun to tease you, crybaby," he chuckled.
Alena glared, though the spark of playfulness in her eyes betrayed her. Ever since her admission to the art school, she had become a little brighter, a little bubblier. Kieran noticed it every day, and to his own surprise, he loved it.
"Come here," he said gently, pulling her closer. With surprising tenderness, he fixed the hair he had just ruined, smoothing down the strands with careful fingers. Then he pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head.
"All the best for your first day at school."
Her heart warmed. She looked up at him, smiling. "You really act like a mature, older person sometimes."
Kieran raised a brow, amused. "Do I?"
She nodded firmly. He leaned closer, lowering himself to her eye level, his voice dropping to a playful whisper.
"If I act immature, you'll just cry again… crybaby."
She sighed, defeated. "You're impossible."
Kieran giggled at her expression, then glanced around. "Where's Aiden? Why isn't he here yet?"
"I don't know," Alena said, kicking the stone again. "I'm waiting for him."
Kieran frowned. "Call him."
Alena's eyes dropped. "I… don't have a mobile phone," she admitted quietly.
That one sentence silenced Kieran for a moment. His eyes softened, but instead of commenting, he simply took out his phone and dialed Aiden. Within two rings, Aiden picked up.
"Coming, boss. Two minutes."
When Aiden finally arrived, slightly out of breath, Kieran's sharp gaze landed on him. "Why are you late?"
"Sorry, boss," Aiden said quickly, "I had something important to take care of."
Kieran studied him, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Nothing serious, I hope?"
"It's… personal," Aiden admitted. His ears flushed pink.
Kieran smirked knowingly. "Don't tell me, you got a new girlfriend?"
At once, Aiden's neck and ears turned crimson. Alena's lips curved into a sly smirk. She already had a guess who it might be.
Kieran chuckled and shook his head. "Alright, drop Alena off at her school. She's already late."
"Yes, boss," Aiden said quickly.
Kieran turned back to Alena, his expression softening. "Take care, Alena. Don't be nervous."
Her smile reassured him. With one last glance, he headed off to his own work.
Aiden opened the car door with a flat, "Get in, nuisance."
Alena smiled and wiggled her eyebrows at him, teasing him, "So, that boutique woman, huh?"
Aiden flushed but gave her a mock glare, "Her name is Roma."
"Ohh, Roma," Alena dragged it, "Our Romeo got a Roma," she teased, and Aiden smiled, "Will you get in or should I leave you here?"
Alena giggled, finally settling in her seat.
When they reached the school, she stepped out, only for the nervousness to return. Her palms grew sweaty, her legs a little shaky. Aiden noticed immediately.
"Don't be nervous, nuisance," he said, surprisingly soft this time. "Everything's going to be fine. Face it. You'll do great."
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Thank you."
Aiden nodded and handed her something. "Here."
She looked down. It was a chocolate bar.
"For energy," he muttered, avoiding her eyes.
Alena's smile brightened, her chest feeling lighter. "Thanks."
He patted her head awkwardly. "Go on. Start a beautiful journey."
His encouragement washed away the last of her fear. She nodded, determination settling into her heart.
"And if anyone bothers you," Aiden added casually, "tell me. I'll break their bones."
Alena burst into laughter. "I'm here to learn, not to get people's bones broken."
"Still," he muttered, smirking.
"Bye, Aiden."
"Go before you get late," he said, waving her off.
Alena walked toward the entrance, confidence returning with every step. Aiden watched her until she disappeared inside, then drove away with a faint smile.
The classroom was large and bright, sunlight spilling in through wide glass windows that had a beautiful view outside. As soon as she entered, a few pairs of eyes landed on her out of curiosity.
"New admission?" one boy asked.
Alena nodded, her fingers clutching the strap of her bag.
He extended a hand. "Hi, I'm Jack."
She hesitated, then shook it nervously. "Alena."
"Alena!" the others echoed, as if testing her name.
A girl came forward with a kind smile. "I'm Jessi."
Alena said, "Hi."
Jessi smiled, "You seem nervous, don't be, we are all here to learn. Feel comfortable with us."
Alena's heart eased at her warmth. "Thank you."
Jack looked at her again. "Why mid-admission? Where are you from?"
Alena froze. Then, carefully, she said, "I… got a scholarship offer here. Before this, I was just learning on my own."
Jessi's eyes widened. "You got a scholarship? Without a background, only self-learning?"
Alena nodded.
"Damn," Jack whistled. "That's impressive. How did you pull that off?"
Before she could answer, the professor entered. "Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, sir," the class chorused.
His gaze landed on Alena. "Alena, right? The scholarship student?"
Alena nodded again, a little nervous.
"I saw your portfolio," he said warmly. "It's impressive. Keep it up."
Her lips curved shyly, pride swelling inside her chest. For the first time, she felt seen for her art.
The class began, and Alena immersed herself fully in the new techniques, her nervousness fading with each brushstroke.
At farmhouse
Alena's first day at school went really well; she made new friends, the professor appreciated her art, her raw skills, and even others started observing her when she was painting. Basically, she was very happy today, and she'll never forget this day in her entire life.
Alena was in her room, standing before a fresh canvas. She had started working on the professor's small assignment, her strokes careful, her expression intent.
Kieran entered quietly, leaning against the doorframe, watching her. When she turned at the sound of his footsteps, her face lit up with a smile so bright it made him pause.
"How was your first day, crybaby?" he asked, smirking.
The way her eyes sparkled said it all. He grinned. "Looking at your face, I can tell you had a great day."
"Yes," she said simply, her voice filled with quiet joy.
He walked closer, curious. "What are you working on now?"
"The professor gave us a small assignment, an art using today's technique," she explained.
"Oh," he murmured, standing behind her, watching as her brush moved across the canvas. The piece was nearly complete, just needing final touches.
"You're getting better already," he said honestly.
Alena shook her head, smiling. "Not really. You should see the professor. His strokes are perfect, not a single mistake. He's so skillful."
Kieran's voice softened. "That's why he's the professor. And one day, you'll be one too. You've just started, Alena."
Her brush stilled. She turned to look at him, surprised at the quiet conviction in his voice. He was closer than she expected, their faces only inches apart. Her heart raced, breath catching.
For a fleeting moment, his heart skipped, too, though he couldn't explain why.
Alena quickly turned back to her canvas. "I don't know. All I know is… right now, I love this."
His lips curved gently. "That's the most beautiful thing. You love it. Once you start loving something, you'll become the best at it, and don't even realize it."
His words wrapped around her heart like a blanket, warm and comforting. She smiled softly. "You're speaking like a philosopher."
He chuckled. "Do you even know what philosophy is?"
Her head snapped toward him, mock-offended. "Of course I do! I read a few books from your library."
Kieran's smirk widened. "Really? So the dumbhead is getting smart, huh?"
She groaned, stamping her foot lightly. "Don't call me that!"
He chuckled. But she was so adorable that he couldn't resist. Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.
Alena didn't flinch. She didn't even blush anymore at these small, affectionate gestures, his hand in her hair, his protective glances, these soft kisses on her head. Somehow, they had become natural, like air between them.
And neither of them realized how quietly, steadily, something deeper was blooming.