"Why did you pull me out like that, Put?" Bayu snapped, yanking his arm free the moment they were outside the classroom. His voice was sharp, laced with suppressed fury. "I could've taught those jerks a lesson for what they said to you."
Putri turned on her heel, her steps halting. Her face remained calm, but her eyes glimmered with restrained irritation.
"Bayu, stop it. People like them aren't worth your fists. If you fight, it won't end with them. It'll drag us into more trouble."
"But if you keep letting them walk all over you, they'll never stop!" Bayu's voice rose, attracting curious glances from passing students. His chest heaved with rage, his fists clenching. "Don't you get it, Put? People like them don't back down unless you—"
"—ruin my name and reputation?" Putri cut him off coldly, her gaze piercing. For a moment, Bayu froze.
Her voice softened, but her words carried the weight of bitter truth.
"Bayu, they have power. Their families have influence. If we fight back recklessly, they'll crush us with their parents' money and connections. You think your pride is worth my future?"
The words stung. Bayu felt them sink into his bones like ice water. He wanted to deny it, to argue, but deep down he knew she was right. No matter how much wealth his own family had, it was nothing compared to the Pratamas—the kind of family whose shadow loomed over the entire university.
He unclenched his fists slowly, his jaw tightening.
"Fine. I'll let it slide. This time. But if they cross the line again…" His eyes darkened. "Don't blame me for what happens."
Putri's lips curved into a faint smile, one that held both gratitude and defiance. Without another word, she turned and strode toward the cafeteria. Bayu followed reluctantly, still battling the storm inside him.
---
The cafeteria buzzed with noise. Plates clattered, laughter spilled from every table, and the smell of fried rice and spices hung thick in the air.
They chose a table tucked in the corner. Bayu stood. "What do you want to eat?"
"Hmm…" Putri tilted her head thoughtfully, dropping her bag on the chair beside her. "I feel like fried noodles… but with two eggs, okay?"
Bayu raised a brow, his lips quirking mischievously. "Two eggs? Seriously? And you still want people to call you a lady? Who eats like that?"
Putri shot him a glare and raised her fist as if to punch him. Bayu chuckled, satisfied at making her scowl.
While waiting, Putri absently scrolled through her phone. But something felt… off. The cafeteria's chatter seemed to shift, soft whispers replacing the usual laughter. Her brows furrowed as she noticed more and more students stealing glances at her. Their lips moved in hushed tones, their eyes darting away whenever she looked up.
"What the hell…" she muttered under her breath.
Bayu returned with a tray of food and drinks. "Here you go. Fried noodles with double eggs for the princess."
Putri grabbed her plate, but her appetite faltered under the weight of those stares.
"Bayu… everyone's looking at me. And whispering. Why?"
Bayu forced a grin, trying to keep her mood light. "Obviously. They're shocked a girl like you eats noodles like a construction worker."
Putri narrowed her eyes. "Not funny."
But Bayu's smile masked his own unease. He knew this wasn't about the food. It was about what had happened earlier in class—the confrontation, the cruel words, and the enemies Putri had made by daring to stand tall against the wrong people.
---
By the time they finished eating, the atmosphere felt heavier. Putri leaned back, exhaling. "You got another class, Bay?"
"Yeah, in two hours. Why?"
"Let's go to the library first. I need to find a reference book."
Bayu smirked. "Anything for you, Princess."
She smacked his forehead, making him wince while she smirked in satisfaction.
As they walked out of the cafeteria, Putri's ears caught it. Whispered words like daggers.
"Isn't that the poor girl from this morning?"
"Trying to cling to Putra… desperate much?"
"She just wants money. Can't blame her though, he's rich."
Putri froze mid-step. Her body stiffened, her eyes narrowing into icy slits. Slowly, she turned her head. Her glare sliced across the gossipers like a blade. Instantly, their voices died. They looked down, fidgeting with their phones, pretending to be busy.
Beside her, Bayu watched with quiet admiration. Putri's reputation was infamous—brilliant, headstrong, and unafraid to humiliate anyone who dared step on her. Rumors even claimed she'd once broken the arm of a cocky student off campus.
But today felt different. The whispers weren't just insults. They carried venom. Lies that could destroy reputations.
---
Then—her phone buzzed.
A WhatsApp notification from an unknown number. Curious, Putri unlocked it. Her eyes widened, her breath hitching as she read.
> "Hey fake girl, if you want to chase rich guys, fine. But stay away from my fiancé."
Her grip on the phone tightened. Blood roared in her ears. Her jaw locked, her hand trembling with fury.
Bayu noticed instantly. "Who texted you? Why do you look so pissed?"
Putri exhaled sharply, her lips curling in disdain. "Just a stray dog who somehow got a phone."
Without another word, she stormed toward the library, her steps quick and forceful. Bayu rushed after her, concern etched on his face.
But his mind burned with questions. Fiancé? Who the hell had the nerve to send that message? And what did it mean?
The whispers in the cafeteria, the glares, the venomous rumors… everything was pointing in one direction.
Someone had set their sights on destroying Putri.
And whoever this "fiancée" was, she had just declared war.
---