Adrian dropped himself onto his chair with all the theatrics of a man who'd just run a marathon. His classmates were already buzzing with trivial gossip, stale jokes, the usual chatter filling the air like background noise. He let out a sigh, dragging a hand through his blonde hair, pretending the sound didn't grate on him more than usual today.
Why the hell did I act like that back there? The thought looped in his head like an annoying song, refusing to leave. He had been so close, way too close, to losing composure around that guy.
"Damn, you look depressed," a voice drawled.
Adrian raised his head, just in time to catch Leon plopping down beside him, a lollipop sticking out the corner of his mouth. His words came out muffled around the candy, casual as ever. "Like someone just booked you a one-way ticket to the psych ward."
"Wow. Thanks, Leon," Adrian deadpanned, layering sarcasm thick before plastering on his trademark grin.
Marcus joined in, shoving his hands into his pockets as he leaned on Adrian's desk. "Don't tell me you already made the first move, huh?" His tone was light, teasing, but sharp enough to hit the mark.
Adrian clicked his tongue, forcing out a low chuckle. "Of course. I'll win the bet in no time." He shrugged, like it was obvious, like there wasn't the faintest crack in his confidence.
Leon blinked between the two of them, his brows scrunching. "Wait, hold on. What bet? Am I the only one missing something here?" His lollipop bobbed as he spoke, expression growing more and more eager.
Marcus smirked. "I'll tell you… if you take my cleaning duty today."
"Excuse me?!" Leon choked, glaring.
"I'm the one who should be saying that," Adrian cut in smoothly, catching Marcus's words before Leon could bite back. His interruption made both of them glance at him, but Adrian didn't elaborate. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, the picture of someone untouchable.
Before Leon could press again, a new voice slid through the hum of the classroom, soft but laced with sugar.
"Adrian, it's been a while."
Heads turned. Eliana stepped into the classroom like it was her personal runway, her hips swaying with practiced ease. Her brunette waves shimmered in the morning light, cascading just past her shoulders, and her makeup sharpened her already striking features. Faded green eyes caught the sunlight like glass, bright and intentional. The kind of girl who knew she was being watched, and made damn sure of it.
Marcus and Leon exchanged one quick look, muttered a low "Ciao" in unison, and bolted out of the room before they got caught in the crossfire. Cowards.
Adrian's gaze slid to her, unhurried, though a knot already tightened in his stomach. Eliana was smiling, bright, eager. The classroom buzzed instantly, a ripple of attention shifting toward them. Of course they're watching. They always do. Hottest couple in school, wasn't that what people said?
"Eli," Adrian greeted, the smile he offered not quite reaching his eyes. "What brings you here?"
Her expression flickered. "Why were you ignoring my calls yesterday?" she shot back, cutting straight to the point. "Don't you love me anymore?" She folded her arms, lower lip jutting forward in a practiced pout.
Here we go. Adrian resisted the urge to rub his temples. His mind was already chanting a silent prayer for the teacher to barge in and save him. From the back of the class, a few muffled chuckles broke out. His jaw tightened. The last thing he needed was an audience.
"Babe, I'm sorry," he said, his voice dropping into the soothing, coaxing tone he'd perfected for situations exactly like this. "I shouldn't have done that." He leaned forward, his smile softening, guilt painted neatly across his face. "You called me at three in the morning. I was asleep and my phone was on silent. That's on me."
Eliana turned her head away with a sharp little hmph, refusing to look at him. "You shouldn't silent your phone. I was having a mental breakdown, y'know?"
Adrian nearly laughed. A mental breakdown? At three a.m.? What even goes on in that head of yours? He bit down on the smirk threatening to spill out and forced his expression into one of careful remorse.
"I'm sorry, okay? I promise it won't happen again." His words dripped with sincerity, even as he crossed his fingers under the desk.
He reached for her hand, thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. The shift in her demeanor was immediate. Eliana turned back toward him, the irritation melting into shy pink cheeks. A few classmates rolled their eyes and turned away, disappointed. No juicy drama this time.
"You're taking me shopping this weekend," Eliana declared, her voice sweet but firm, sealing her victory with a smile.
Shopping? Are you kidding me? I've already got plans at Ethan's place. And I'm broke. Adrian's grin didn't falter, though his thoughts were screaming.
"Sure," he said smoothly, flicking the tip of her nose with practiced affection. "Anything you want, babe."
Her smile brightened, cheeks flushing deeper. She lifted a hand as she walked away, signaling him to call her after school. The sway of her hips didn't falter until she was out the door.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose. His gaze flicked toward the back row where his friends were waiting, and with a sharp glare, not that it carried much heat. He watched them snicker into their sleeves.
[…]
The bell rang, the shrill sound slicing through the room like a release valve. Recess, finally.
Adrian stretched in his seat, arms lifting lazily over his head until his back cracked. Normally, this was the best part of the day, heading to the cafeteria with his crew, making noise, claiming their usual table like kings. But today? The universe apparently had other plans.
Avery was the first to bow out. She crossed her arms in a dramatic X when Adrian raised a brow at her, pouting. "No lunch. The salad yesterday didn't even shave half a pound, and I've got a date tonight. Better to save space and impress." Adrian only gave a low whistle, half teasing, half pitying.
Leon, meanwhile, was face down on his desk, mouth slightly open, the lollipop from earlier stuck to his cheek. He'd stayed up grinding through another all-nighter gaming session, and by the way he didn't even twitch at the bell, he was committed to his midday nap.
Marcus? Gone. Vanished before recess even started. Adrian didn't need to guess, Marcus always had some shady side project running, always "somewhere."
And Ethan? Off in the schoolyard, tangled up with his new girlfriend. Adrian had spotted them earlier, tucked into a quiet corner, giggling and kissing like the world wasn't watching. Lovey-dovey bullshit, he thought with an eye-roll.
That left… him. Alone.
Adrian's lips pressed together. Well, this is rare. He couldn't exactly go to Eliana, avoiding her was the entire point of today's survival plan. Still, there were always other groups who'd welcome him in. He was Adrian, after all. There was no shortage of tables that'd be thrilled to have him drop by.
But as he strolled into the cafeteria, hands shoved into his pockets, the thought of inserting himself into someone else's crowd felt exhausting. Guess I'll sit alone. No one to bother me. Peace, at last.
The cafeteria buzzed with the usual chaos. Trays clattering, chatter echoing, someone yelling across the room for an extra carton of milk. Adrian grabbed a tray, offering his practiced smile to the canteen worker as they plopped food onto his plate. He balanced it easily in one hand, scanning for an empty spot.
And then, he froze.
There, near the corner, sat Ivan. Alone. His posture was composed, shoulders squared, movements unhurried as he ate, but the space around him felt empty. Not a single student sat at his table. It wasn't just that he chose solitude. It looked like people avoided him, chairs left conspicuously empty as though he carried some invisible barrier.
Adrian's brow furrowed. Why does he look so… lonely?
It was a ridiculous thought. He'd never cared before if someone was eating alone. But now, watching Ivan cut neatly into his food, face calm but unreadable, something tugged at him. Like there was more under that surface, something buried deep that Adrian couldn't quite name.
His legs started moving before his brain caught up.
Tray in hand, Adrian crossed the cafeteria, weaving through bodies and sidestepping backpacks until he reached Ivan's table. He set his tray down with a deliberate thud, just loud enough to make Ivan glance up.
Dark eyes met his, confusion flickering first, then a shadow of irritation. Ivan looked like someone whose quiet routine had just been rudely interrupted.
Adrian, unfazed, flashed him a grin. "Can I be your lunch buddy?"
Ivan's brows pulled together, but before he could even form an answer, Adrian had already slid into the seat across from him, plopping down like he owned the spot.
Ivan's voice came low, calm, though the edge in it was clear. "What about… your friends?"
Adrian shrugged, easy as ever. "Ditching them today." The lie rolled off his tongue with practiced smoothness. He leaned forward slightly, grin widening. "I'd rather sit here with you."
Ivan's gaze sharpened, a flicker of annoyance in the dark of his eyes. He looked like he might stand, like he'd rather fight for another table than deal with Adrian, but one quick glance around the packed cafeteria killed that plan. Every seat was full. No escape.
"Fine," his expression seemed to say, though his lips stayed pressed shut as he turned back to his food.
Adrian chuckled under his breath and quickly changed gears. "So, quick question," he said, as if they were already in the middle of some casual conversation.
Ivan paused, fork hovering, before frowning slightly. "…What?"
Adrian leaned on his elbows, gaze unwavering. "Do you have a pet?"
Ivan blinked. His brows drew tighter, clearly caught off guard. "…No. Why?" he muttered.
Adrian smirked, lowering his voice as if he were sharing a secret. "Because seeing you has given me a whole new leash on life." He winked.
Ivan's glare deepened, sharp enough to cut through steel. It carried the kind of weight that said, one more word and you'll regret it.
Adrian held up his hands in surrender, laughing softly. "Alright, alright. I'll shut up now."
Ivan didn't bother replying. He returned to his meal, eyes fixed on his plate like Adrian didn't exist. The air around him was colder than before, a clear dismissal.
Adrian picked up his own fork, chuckling again as he dug into his food. Still, he couldn't help the way his gaze flicked toward Ivan every few seconds.
Teasing him is kinda fun, Adrian admitted silently. He wasn't sure why, maybe it was because Ivan was the only one who didn't bend, didn't melt under his charm. He was unreadable, unshakable, like a locked door Adrian couldn't help but want to open.
He forced himself to stop staring, turning his focus back to his tray.