The morning sun hung high above Aster Academy, spilling gold across the courtyard. Students filled every corner as they were busy with one thing or the other... laughing, gossiping, calling out to their friends. Bags slammed on benches. Shoes clicked against the tiles. The air smelled like fresh coffee from the nearby cafe and the faint scent of flowers from the garden beds.
And at the heart of it all was Isabella Lane, the beauty of the Academy.
Her golden hair shimmered under the sun as she tossed it over her shoulder. Her pink tank top hugged her body just enough to turn heads, and the soft perfume she wore left a faint trace wherever she passed. The crowd parted for her like she was the centre of the world. Boys glanced her way, and girls whispered about her perfect style.
Everyone saw Isabella.
No one saw Adrian Cross.
He stood quietly under the shade of the west wall, hood pulled over his head, dark glasses hiding his eyes. His hands were buried in his pockets, gloved as always. He didn't say a word. He didn't move. Students brushed past him as if he didn't exist. Some bumped his shoulder without saying sorry.
That was fine with him.
'Being invisible made everything easier.'
He came before dawn. He left after dark. He never joined conversations or ate with others. There were rumours surrounding him about being ugly, scarred or maybe cursed by the devil himself. People avoided him in the halls, giving him quick looks before turning away.
Adrian smiled faintly under the hood.
'People feared what they couldn't understand.'
After all, there was nothing wrong with him. He wasn't shy. He wasn't broken.
He was busy... watching.
His eyes, hidden behind dark glass, followed Isabella as she fixed the strap of her bag. She laughed at something her friend said, her voice light and clear.
"Ah... hearing her laugh is the most beautiful thing. She didn't want to wear that top," he thought quietly.
"But she spilt coffee on her favourite one this morning, so she had to change into that one. That pink tank top was Clara's birthday gift last year... bought from that tiny store near the south gate. She hated it at first, but wore it whenever she wanted the boys to notice her. It makes her feel pretty, even if she doesn't believe it."
He tilted his head slightly.
"I guess later today, she'll eat half a sandwich at lunch, toss the rest, and tell her friends she's full. Then... cry in her room later, calling herself fat. She checks her mirror ten times a day, always fixing her hair. All Isabella wants is to be perfect,"
He knew every detail. Every habit. Every lie she told herself.
Because Adrian Cross knew everyone.
He knew who cheated on tests, who snuck into empty classrooms, who stole cash from the student council box. He watched them all, wrote them all down in a worn notebook, and stored the rest in his head. It was like a puzzle, each person a piece that he fit together.
The bell rang. Students rushed toward their classes. Adrian waited, then slipped inside, silently. His cane tapped lightly on the floor as he walked.
He took his usual seat at the farthest corner of the lecture hall. His posture was relaxed as his head slightly bowed. He never looked at people directly. He didn't need to. The shuffling of feet, the rhythm of breathing, the small laughs... all of it painted the same picture. The room smelled like old books and chalk dust.
And then came Lucien Vale.
The boy with a perfect smile, perfect hair and perfect everything.
The golden boy everyone in school loved.
Lucien sat three rows ahead, his pen gliding smoothly across his notebook. His dark hair caught the morning light, and his golden eyes sparkled when he smiled at the professor's joke. Students around him leaned in, drawn to his easy charm.
To everyone else, he was warmth.
To Adrian, he was just data. He never cared about Lucien but since he had to know about everyone in school, he couldn't discriminate.
"Lucien Vale is left-handed and he writes neatly with his high hand since it's stronger," Adrian noted silently. "He never eats sweets but carries candy to hand out. He always visits the library every Friday and always waits for Isabella. She never realises. Maybe because he loves her. Ah...I guess they are a match. He smiles at everyone, but his eyes stay sharp, like he's always thinking."
Adrian stared too long. He didn't even notice when the class ended. The professor's voice faded, and students packed their bags.
When he finally stood, Lucien was already gone.
Adrian left through the back stairs, as usual... he was quiet and fast.
The day slipped by as classes blurred together. Adrian continued his day, stalking people as usual.
By evening, shadows stretched long across the courtyard. The air cooled, and birds called from the trees.
Adrian spotted Isabella again, walking alone toward the south garden. That path was quiet since no teachers or guards were hanging around that area during the evening. They could only hear the soft whisper of wind through leaves. She always came here when she wanted to take pictures for her page. Her phone was already in her hand as he spotted it.
"I wonder how she's going to take the picture..."
He asked himself as he followed.
Step by step, he kept his distance, hidden behind the trees and fences. The ground was soft under his shoes, and the fading light made everything look grey.
But halfway down the path, he froze.
Someone else was there.
Lucien.
He leaned casually against a tree, dressed in black. It was different from the white shirt he wore earlier. He always dressed moderately, as if he were attending a conference meeting. His smile was calm, but there was something off... something too still in his eyes.
Isabella's face brightened when she saw him.
"Lucien! God...you scared me. What are you doing here?" she said, a little breathless.
"I was waiting," he replied, his tone soft and measured.
"For me?" She giggled, brushing her hair back. "You could've just called. I would've come running."
Lucien smiled again. "I know."
Adrian's pulse quickened when he heard that. He pressed himself against the bark, the rough texture biting into his gloves. He watched through the branches, his breath steady but his mind racing as he tried to remain as quiet as possible.
"Lucien..." Isabella bit her lip, hesitating. "I... I actually wanted to tell you something."
"Oh?" Lucien tilted his head slightly. "What is it?"
She took a shaky breath, stepping closer.
"I like you. I know everyone does, but I... I really do. I've liked you since our first year."
Lucien chuckled softly, eyes warm.
"Is that so?"
She nodded quickly, nervous laughter escaping her lips.
"I know it's sudden, but I can't keep pretending anymore. I just wanted you to know."
She reached out and wrapped her arms around him. He didn't move at first. His hands hung loosely at his sides as she hugged him tightly, whispering against his chest.
"Please don't reject me. Just... just say something."
Lucien finally smiled. "Something?"
She looked up at him, her eyes hopeful. "Yes. Anything. I want to hear your voice, Lucien,"
He lifted a hand and touched her cheek. His thumb traced the line of her jaw. His touch was gentle, almost tender. Isabella leaned into it, her lips parting slightly.
And then... he kissed her.
For a moment, it looked perfect. Beautiful. Soft. Like they've fallen in love with each other. Adrian also fell for it.
"I guess it's the birth of a new couple at the academy," he sounded a bit disappointed like he expected it...Until her body jerked.
Adrian's eyes widened.
Lucien's hand pressed harder against her neck. He kissed her deeply as she struggled, her muffled gasps trapped between their lips.
He broke the kiss slowly, holding her face still, watching her panic. His smile didn't fade.
"Don't worry, Bella," he whispered. "You'll look beautiful when you're quiet."
She tried to scream, but his hand silenced her. He tilted her head, almost lovingly, and with the small silver knife hidden in his sleeve, he drew a thin line across her throat.
The sound was soft... barely a sigh. She shuddered, the blood blooming against her pink top like a dark stain.
Lucien guided her down gently, one arm around her back. Her eyes widened, trembling with disbelief.
He brushed her hair back and pressed one last kiss on her forehead.
"You should've lived prettier, Bella," he murmured.
Tears rolled down her cheek as her body went still.
The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of blood. The sky turned darker, stars starting to show.
Adrian couldn't move. His breath caught in his throat, and yet... his heart was racing, not from fear, but from something darker. Something thrilling.
Lucien's movements were graceful, precise, almost... beautiful. Adrian couldn't look away. He already captured everything in his head.
He watched as Lucien wiped the blade clean with a handkerchief and tucked it neatly into his pocket. Then he crouched, studying Isabella's face like an artist admiring his work.
"She was right," Lucien said softly. "She did look better when she smiled."
Adrian's grip on his cane tightened. His chest rose and fell unevenly. He shifted slightly, trying to back away.
And then... crack.
A twig broke under his foot.
Lucien's head turned instantly. His golden eyes were no longer soft... they were sharp, cold, and dangerous.
Adrian froze.
Lucien walked toward the trees, each step was slow but heavy. The sound of his shoes crushed the silence. He stopped a few feet away, his gaze scanning the shadows.
Adrian dropped his cane deliberately and groped the air like he was searching for it.
"Hey! Is anyone here?" he called, his tone cautious. "I heard something... I can't find my cane..."
Lucien watched him, blood streaked on his cheek. He studied Adrian's stillness, the blank way he held his face forward.
Then he leaned in... close enough for Adrian to feel his breath, warm and steady.
Lucien's smirk returned.
"Go your way, blind boy. And stay out of the dark."
And then he was gone.
Adrian stood there for a long moment, every muscle locked.
When he finally knelt to pick up his cane, his hands trembled... but not from fear.
He whispered under his breath, a small, curious smile tugging at his lips.
"Lucien Vale... You..."
He exhaled slowly, heart pounding hard in his chest.
"...you're fascinating."