Amethyst's POV
If I could take back what I told Mrs. Silverstone about accepting her offer, I would. But I can't take it back now because I already said yes.
"Are you really okay, Amethyst? You've been spacing out ever since what happened earlier." Scarlett asked worriedly. I turned to her and gave a small smile.
"I'm fine. I'm just a little sleepy," I answered with a bit of a joke.
"You can take a nap if you're sleepy. Our instructor isn't here yet anyway."
"No, I'm okay." I replied and turned my attention back to the book I was reading.
I didn't hear her reply, so I sighed. I noticed the stares of my classmates at me, as if I'm a speck of dirt on a white blanket. I may not hear what they're saying, but I know they're cursing and pitying me.
After what happened at the restaurant earlier, I didn't see the Winter Flowers enter our first and second afternoon classes. It was already three in the afternoon and this was our last subject for the day. We were just waiting for the instructor to see if he would come in or not.
I don't know what to do anymore. Everything is too complicated today, and I know it's going to get even more complicated in the coming days. I have no idea what that Ace Park might do. He's too show-offy, childish, and a spoiled brat. He probably has all the negative words in the world, except for being handsome because he really is handsome. But he's just wasting his good looks if his attitude is such a major turn-off!
I sat up straight and closed the book. I faced Scarlett and her friends. They all looked at me. I needed to know who the Winter Flowers really are and what they've done to be looked up to by the students here.
"Why? Do you have anything to ask?" she said, so I nodded faintly.
"Winter Flowers," I said and smiled at them faintly. She raised both her eyebrows and waited for what I would say next. "I want to know who they are. All of them."
She nodded and looked at her friends. She sat up straight and closed the book she was reading. She faced me and took a deep breath.
"This is going to be a pretty long explanation, so I hope you can handle all the information I'm about to tell you."
I nodded and faced her properly. Whatever information it is, I'll remember it. I need to know everything—dark secrets don't count, but everything Scarlett knows, I need to remember.
"Okay, let me start by introducing you to the most well-known heirs of Winter Society, the Winter Flowers." She showed me a photo.
The Winter Flowers…
The seven of them were sitting on expensive, large chairs. They had gold crowns on their heads. Their gazes conveyed that they were the group of heirs from the highest-ranking families.
"The Winter Flowers are childhood friends. They've been friends since pre-school, not close enough but they became closer when they entered first year of high school. It was during our freshman days that they formed their group, Winter Flowers."
"Why Winter Flowers? I mean—why is that the name of their group?" I asked, confused. Maybe the name has a deep meaning, right?
"Winter—from Winter Society. As Winter Society has different ranks. We're different from other societies. Rare, unique. Flowers—flowers are special. They have many meanings. Different kinds. Winter Flowers—seven special flowers. Seven beautiful flowers of different kinds, but when put together, they form a group of flowers. A high-class bouquet." Brianna answered.
Right. They are a seven-member group consisting of inheritors from high-class families. Seven men with pure blue blood flowing in their veins. They are the ones who will inherit their families' businesses next. So, if you think about it, they are the student group with the biggest influence at WinMon.
"So let's begin with the members of Winter Flowers. This guy in a white taekwondo uniform and an undefeated black belter of the Taekwondo Club, he's Axel Valderama, the ace of Winter Flowers." She switched the picture and I was greeted by a guy standing in the middle of a ring while wearing a taekwondo uniform.
"He's the multi-talented youngest member of Winter Flowers. He can do different kinds of things; you name it and he can do it," Brianna said.
"In short, he's a fast learner. He's also the president of the Arts Club. He's good at painting, drawing—whether it's a 2D, 3D, or 4D sketch. He can do it. He's also good at designing. Anything related to arts, he excelled in," Scarlett added.
"Wow…" I said. I didn't know what to say. They only introduced him so far and one of the members of that group is already that talented. "He's the youngest member?"
"Yes, he has the last birthday month among the seven of them. And about the family background, everyone knows their family owns all the theaters in Winter Society. They also have theaters outside the society and he will inherit all of them."
"So their business is in theaters," I answered, nodding.
"Yes, because of his parents. Both his parents are singers, well-known singers. And you know what's even cooler about Axel?" Scarlett asked with a smile.
"He's Annalisa's fiancé."
I turned to Kimberly in surprise because of her answer. She shrugged and pointed at Annalisa who was just looking ahead. She wasn't saying anything. It seemed like she didn't want to talk about it.
"Okay, the second youngest member of Winter Flowers—Harvey Kim." Scarlett said with a smile. It seems like Harvey's personality isn't that heavy, that's just how I feel.
"He's the face of the group. Well, all of them are handsome, but Harvey is the top-tier visual, not just in all of WinMon but in the entire universe. He was awarded for having the most beautiful face. That's undeniable. One look at him and I'm sure you'll fall in love. Right, Snow?" She turned to Snow who was busy on her laptop.
"Hmm…" she nodded.
"Really? You like him? Hahaha!" Scarlett said, laughing. Snow turned to us and furrowed her brow.
"What are you guys talking about? Sorry, I'm busy doing my records."
"Nevermind," Scarlett said with a grimace. "And yeah—that's Harvey Kim. He also excels in different fields. Especially in photography, music, and most importantly—he's the role model of fashion trends. Kim and I are models with him at Elixelle. And of course, he's an heir. Their family business is producing goods for the market not only in the Winter Society but also around Asia and Western Countries. He will also inherit their vast haciendas."
So everything I eat comes from the Kim family. Everything I chew comes from their hacienda. And all the goods I see in the marketplaces come from their land. Their family's influence is huge. I remember they are the number one supplier of vegetables, fruits, rice, and so on to the restaurants of Winter Society. That's how big their contribution is here.
"The next member is Zircon Wellington, Harvey's best friend. If there's anyone who's closer among the members of the Winter Flowers, it's those two."
"They're more like soulmates. Their friendship is perfect and destined. They became even closer after they had a fight—"
"They fought?" I asked Brianna in surprise.
"Yes," Kimberly interjected.
"W-what did they fight about?" I asked, curious.
"Chocolate crinkles," she answered simply and went back to tapping her iPad.
What?! Chocolate crinkles? Oh, gosh! They fought over chocolate crinkles?!
"I know you're laughing, I am too, hahaha!" Brianna said.
"Crazy, right? They fought over those chocolate crinkles. That food is so lucky," Scarlett said jokingly. "And they fought over something so trivial. Wow, is that still a 'soulmate thing'?"
"Maybe? They both like chocolate crinkles, so I guess it can still be called 'soulmates'," Kimberly replied.
"Okay," Scarlett said, nodding. "And back to Zircon. He's a contemporary dancer. He loves dancing and, well, I guess this counts? He loves sexy themes. Also, Zircon is the heir of their business for exporting and selling high-quality men's fashion shoes. His family makes expensive, extremely expensive shoes for men. Their business is also number one in exporting outside the country," she said.
I looked at the photo she showed me. It was a guy with an angelic face, wearing a white shirt. The photo looked like it was taken while he was dancing. His face was so gentle.
"Some students are calling him the human angel. His facial features are like an angel's. Gentle and harmless. Well, that's true. He's kind. He's probably the opposite of his friend who's so aloof and a snob," Brianna said.
"But Harvey is nice, isn't he? Don't you guys notice that? He even helped me with our club's records," Snow interjected and looked at us. "Harvey isn't that grumpy. Maybe that's just everyone's first impression of him."
"Really, Snow? How many times has he ignored me? He only pays attention to me when you're late for school or absent. Like—duh? I'm not an officer or part of your club, so why would he ask me? Ugh!" Scarlett said, annoyed.
"Of course, we're friends!"
"He can call you or text you, right? I'm sure he has the number of the club's president."
"That's right!" Snow shouted as if she just had a realization. "I don't have the numbers of my club members. That's a good suggestion, Scarlett! You're right!" she said happily. "I'll just get their numbers." She smiled widely and grabbed her bag. She faced us.
"Our last subject teacher probably won't come in anymore, right? I'll just go to the club."
"What? Right now?" Shayna asked her.
"Yes!" she said, nodding and smiling. "See ya!" She waved and turned her back to us, leaving the classroom.
"H-hey…" Scarlett called out softly. She was shaking her head. "Good suggestion? Oh, Snow."
I blinked at what just happened. What was that? Why do I feel like I was tricked? I was supposed to be the one asking questions, right? Sometimes, these heirs are confusing, too.
I changed the picture and a guy in a black suit with lenses on greeted me.
"Who is he?" I asked. Scarlett turned to me.
"Oh, that's Art Washington, the President of WinMon University. And he's a cousin of Forsythia but they are not too close."
"On what side are they related?" I asked, curious.
"Hmm, I think mother's side?" she answered, unsure.
"Maybe father's side," Brianna said. "We're not sure which side they're related on, but we know they're cousins. And they live in the same mansion."
I nodded. But it's strange that they're not very close if they live in the same house. Maybe they have different views and beliefs in life.
Art is the president, while Forsythia is the secretary. They have high positions in the university.
"He's also an heir of their business just like Forsythia. They're like two diamonds in a ring. Art Washington always ranks number one every finals in the whole university. He's super intelligent. His IQ is normal, but beyond normal. While Forsythia is always in second spot. She's also good at realistic drawings, designing, and creating DIY technology gadgets in Science—"
"In short, being smart and talented runs in their blood," Brianna interjected while sitting with her legs crossed, facing us. She's been listening all along.
Scarlett nodded.
"The Washington Family runs a business of expensive furniture from all over Asia and Western Countries. So if you see a 'W' sign, that's theirs."
W? That logo seems familiar. Or maybe I just don't pay attention to brand logos.
Scarlett switched the picture and a guy with his tongue out and all sweaty, but still looking extremely handsome, greeted me. He was on a stage wearing a white polo shirt. The lights were centered on him.
WHO IS HE?!
I looked at Scarlett with wide eyes. Why does she have a picture like this?!
"He's Niel Holland, the hottest and most talented dancer in WinMon. He's the President of the Dance Club and Annalisa and Brianna are members there. This photo was taken back then when he joined an international dance competition. He's hot, right? Wow," Scarlett said in awe.
"Compared to the other members of Winter Flowers, I like Niel's attitude more. He's not too strict and he smiles a lot. Sometimes though, when it comes to dance practice, he's a very strict mentor. Actually, he and Annalisa both are. They're strict when it comes to practice. But it makes sense," Brianna said. I nodded.
Brianna said Niel wasn't too strict. But I still can't say if he's really super nice. I also can't say that I can be friends with him because I have no intention of befriending any of them.
"Their family business is running restaurants around Winter Society and of course all over the world. Their restaurant ranked number one last year as a super high-class restau. They serve super high-class cuisines and different kinds of dishes. That's not surprising since that's where my family and I have dinner for important gatherings," Scarlett added.
"We should hang out sometime and we'll take you to their restau, Amethyst. You will surely like the dishes there." I looked at Brianna and she was smiling. "The desserts are the best, especially the chocolate mountain. The sweetness is so worth the pain in your teeth," she said and laughed.
"Yeah, we should hang out. So we can get to know each other better."
"A-ah… haha," I said, nodding awkwardly because I didn't know what to answer. I changed the picture and showed it to Scarlett. "Who is he?" I asked, changing the subject.
She smiled widely.
"My boyfriend."
My eyes widened at what she said. I looked at her, disbelievingly.
Her boyfriend? As in, they're a couple? Her boyfriend is one of the Winter Flowers? But I thought girls couldn't get close to them and they only chose who they talked to? So why is he her boyfriend?
But there's already a pair of fiancés, Amethyst. Annalisa and Axel. So why not a boyfriend and girlfriend?
"Hmm? As if! Wake up from your thoughts, Scarlett. He doesn't even pay attention to you. Don't believe her, Amethyst. She's lying. Black Fletcher is not her boyfriend, okay?" Kimberly answered frankly. "Why don't you just stop chasing that guy? He already told you he doesn't like you, right? I don't know why you still keep chasing that man who doesn't know your worth."
"Ouch. That's too much, Kim. Yes, he doesn't like me, but I know someday, he will. Mark my words," Scarlett said with certainty.
"We don't know when that 'someday' will happen. Because from my perspective, you have less of a chance. I'm not telling you this for no reason. I'm saying this so you don't look stupid chasing after him. Actually, I've been telling you this for a long time. You just don't listen," Kimberly replied.
"But what if that 'someday' happens tomorrow or later or now? Right? As long as I'm alive and the earth is still rotating, there's still a chance, okay? Kim? Don't worry about me. I'm okay," she said with a smile and winked at Kimberly who just shook her head.
"That's how much she likes Black. She's willing to be a fool just for that guy. Black said many times that he doesn't like her, and will never be. So whenever Black sees her, he avoids Scarlett to show her that he really has no interest. I don't know why he can't like Scarlett. She's beautiful. A top student. An heiress. But why?" Brianna asked, confused.
Maybe because he really has no feelings for her. None. A blank slate.
You can't force someone to like you. If he doesn't like you, he doesn't. You can't force love; it's learned and given willingly. We can't decide their hearts anyway.
"Black Fletcher, the second member of Winter Flowers. He excels at everything. He likes music, arts, and basketball. He's the President of the Music Club. If there's anyone who's truly cold among them, it's him. He doesn't like to express his emotions or he just doesn't care about his surroundings. He's like a walking wall with no emotion on his face. I've never even seen him smile. He's literally the 'cold' man," Brianna said.
I did notice something about him earlier. There was a guy who seemed to not care about what was happening around him. He was just standing there or sitting and it was like he didn't care at all.
"Their family runs huge private hospitals. And there's a history in their family that they are the last descendants of the Royal Family in Winter Society. We don't exactly know if it's true or not, but that's what others say," Shayna, who had been quiet all along, interjected. She gave a small smile. "There's also a rumor about him being the last prince. So basically, he has two spoons in his mouth. A golden spoon for being the last prince and a silver spoon for being the heir of their business. He's unreal, so it's no wonder why Scarlett likes him so much."
For the nth time, I had no answer. I think Black Fletcher is the most powerful member of the Winter Flowers. Being the last prince and an heir at the same time is too powerful. He's probably the luckiest person born in the world.
"And the last member is Ace Park. He was the one who came up with the name Winter Flowers. He's also the one who chooses who he wants to be his slave or who he wants to be friends with. He will inherit their hotels. The Park Family is famous for running five-star hotels around Asia and Western Countries. He also has a high position in the university, which is he's the Vice President of WinMon University. If Black Fletcher has two spoons in his mouth, so does Ace Park. His mother is a beauty queen and he was awarded as the most handsome face in the world. Well, that's no doubt."
If Black Fletcher is lucky because he's the last descendant of the Royal Family of Winter Society, Ace Park is present in everything. He rules Winter Monarch University.
"Luck is his best buddy, I mean, luck is on his side. He wins every tournament he joins. He's never been defeated and he doesn't want to be. So he always does things confidently because he knows that the word 'bad luck' won't come near him."
Ace... The name matches his characteristics so well, or maybe his family predicted that, so they named him Ace, huh.
"They are the Winter Flowers, they rule WinMon. Students respect them even though they're heirs or heiresses; still, they have a huge amount of respect for these guys. I just don't know about us. Because for me, I don't care about them, hahaha," Shayna said, laughing.
I suddenly remembered… If this room is full of heirs from high-class families, why did I end up here? I mean, why did Mrs. Silverstone put me here?
"You look deep in thought. Are you still thinking about what happened earlier? Or maybe you're just analyzing the information you got. Well, that's understandable," she said and smiled faintly.
"S-Shayna…"
"Hmm?" she replied without looking at me.
I was hesitant to ask her if she knew I was a middle-class person. If she knew her mother was the one who got me in here. And why me?
I understand that Mrs. Silverstone is giving me a favor because I helped her, but why did she give me something this big in return? The words "thank you" would have been enough for me.
She looked at me.
"Do you have any questions?" she asked.
I gave a small smile and shook my head.
"Thank you," I said. I saw her expression turn to one of confusion, and then she smiled faintly and nodded.
The bell suddenly rang, signaling the end of classes. Everyone stood up and started leaving the room. I also stood up and took my pouch. I guess I'll just take a taxi for now. I'll figure it out.
"I'll go ahead, girls. We have a family dinner tonight. You know, business," Annalisa said and waved before walking away.
"Yeah, me too. I have some important business to attend to, so I'll be going as well. See you tomorrow," Shayna said her goodbyes, so I waved at her.
"How about you, Amethyst?"
I looked at Scarlett and Brianna. I smiled at them.
"Uh, I guess I'll just take a taxi for now. S-since our car broke down." I lied. I wanted to cry. I hate lying.
They both nodded.
"How about you, Kimberly?"
"I'll go to the Club first. I'll check if there's anything else to do there. Club day is coming soon," she said.
"Oh right. She's a figure skater, Amethyst. A varsity figure skater," Brianna said, so I nodded.
"A-ah… I'll go ahead now." I said goodbye, feeling embarrassed.
"Oh sure. Brianna and I have somewhere to go too, so we'll see you again tomorrow," Scarlett replied.
I waved at them and started walking away. I let out a breath and my skin started to itch again from the coat. I'm not used to it.
I looked at my wristwatch. 4:15 PM. It's still early. Where would be a good place to go?
"Yah."
Right! I'll check for some merch; maybe they restocked. I wasn't able to catch up with it before.
"Amethyst Benson."
I stopped walking and turned around, wishing I hadn't. I stood up straight and was about to walk again, but he grabbed the back of my coat.
"Ow!" I groaned.
"You really have the guts, huh?" he said in disbelief and turned me to face him. His face was serious.
What's his problem now? Is he starting his 'make my life like hell' operation now? He's so childish.
He let go of me and stood in front of me with his hands in his pockets. I fixed my coat and stood up straight. I glared at him. I raised an eyebrow.
"What's your problem now, huh? You're going to cause trouble again? Oh wait, you're going to mess with me now?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. He didn't answer.
I looked away from him and crossed my arms. I was feeling an extreme level of awkwardness.
"You're awkward?" I heard him ask. So I immediately turned to him.
What did he say? Me?!
"You seem like you're not comfortable facing me," he said with a smirk. "Am I too handsome to handle?"
He's so full of himself.
"Excuse me?" I asked, disbelievingly.
I looked around. A few students were looking at us. There were only a few passing by, but Ace Park's presence was still eye-catching even though he was the only one here.
What's his deal that he called me? I thought the Winter Flowers were "unreachable"?
But they're the ones who decide who they'll talk to, Ami.
"I think I heard you wrong. Can you repeat that?" I asked sarcastically.
"Are you demanding me?" he changed the question. "Your last name is Benson, right?"
I stood up straight.
"Why?" I asked with a hint of nervousness. "And why are you asking? You shouldn't care, right? You're a member of the Winter Flowers—"
"So, Benson is your last name?" he cut me off. I didn't answer. He took a step closer to me, so I stepped back. "Why is it hard to search for your family business? Why is it hard to know where you came from?" he asked, frowning, as he walked closer to me.
"I-I don't know," I answered nervously, still stepping back. "Can you please stop?" I said and raised both my palms to stop him, but he grabbed my wrist.
"Who are you?" he asked seriously. "Answer me."
Why does he want to know who I am and my identity? What will he do when he finds out? Will he tell all the students? Is that what he meant by making my life in the university a living hell? Well then, I'll just transfer to West Hill!
"L-let me go—"
"Answer me." he said firmly and tightened his grip on both my wrists.
"I don't want to—"
"You'll regret it, Ami."
"I said let go—"
"One."
He's counting again. I feel like I'm going to die from those three numbers!
"Two."
"I'm not going to say anything. Let me go, Ace Park—"
"Three."
On his last count, he pulled me, so I suddenly followed. I tried to pull my wrists away from his grip, but he held on too tightly.
"Ace Park, I said let me go!"
He didn't answer. And he pulled me into a room. He slammed the door shut and let go of me.
"You can tell me now. Who are you? Where are you from? What's your family's business?" he asked in a rapid fire. "No one can hear you now."
"Are you insane?" I asked angrily. Anger and annoyance were mixing inside me. I wanted to punch him.
"What?"
"You're crazy, you know that? What's your problem?!" I said, annoyed. I reached into my coat pocket and felt for my inhaler. "Get out. I'm leaving."
"NO." he said firmly. "You can't go out until you tell me who you are."
"Ha!" I exclaimed in disbelief. "Look. I'm just an ordinary person existing in this world, okay? I'm not special. I don't have superpowers and you especially won't get anything from me." I replied and was about to take a step, but I backed away when he stepped closer to me.
"I gave you the chance to tell me about who you are, but you ignored it. Okay," he said, nodding. "For the last time. Tell me…"
I let out a breath because he's so stubborn. He won't get an answer from me.
"Tell me who you are, or I'll kiss you."
Is he crazy?
I felt like I went deaf from what he said. WHAT? What did he say?
"One."
"What are you doing? C-can you please stop?" I said, nervous.
He wouldn't really do it, would he? What entered his mind to say something like that? He wouldn't do it. He must have some taste in women. He has high standards. He wouldn't just kiss any girl he saw today. He wouldn't kiss me because we're rivals.
"Two."
"I know you won't do it." I stood up straight and raised an eyebrow at him. "I don't feel like you're serious. So, stop it, Ace Park."
"Three."
He's just wasting his expensive saliva. Tsk.
"Four."
Four? He only counts to three, though.
Maybe it's a scam. He won't do it. HAHAHA, what does he think I am, a fool who'll be scared by his threat? I don't care about his life.
"Five."
"See? You've reached fiv—"
Time stopped. It felt like my soul left my body. What's happening? Why… why is nothing moving?
He pulled himself away from me and looked me in the eyes.
"I warned you, but you didn't listen," he said, his breath hitting my face.
His hand on my arm slid up to the back of my neck.
"Your guts led my lips to you, Benson." And his soft lips touched mine.
Ace Park…