"What are you talking about, Xavion?" I asked him with a bright smile, trying my best to look innocent.
How did he know?! As expected from the male lead—he really was too smart for his own good.
His lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "I'm curious how long you can keep pretending to be an angel, Solar."
I let out a soft, nervous laugh. Goodness. I needed to leave before my face gave everything away. Being around him was stressful for my soul.
"You're really funny, Xavion," I replied sweetly.
The door opened, pulling my attention away from him. And there he was—Leo. Why were they both so disturbingly handsome?
"What are you doing here, Leo?" Xavion asked, his voice turning serious.
"I heard Solar was here," Leo said with a smile. "Can I borrow her for a bit?"
"No."
I turned to Xavion, startled by his cold answer.
"And why not?" Leo challenged, glancing between us.
The tension between them was unreal. They looked like… I don't know—some kind of dragon and tiger trying to decide who to maul first.
Gosh, I'm gorgeous. Why are they acting like this over me?
"Solar and I still have things to discuss," Xavion said. He reached for my hand, and my eyes widened in shock. Leo's gaze immediately dropped to our joined hands, and I quickly stepped back.
I cleared my throat. "Actually, I need to go home early."
"Why? Do you have something to do?" Xavion asked.
I nodded rapidly. "Sorry! I'll make it up to you next time!"
Before either of them could respond, I bolted out of the room.
_______
Why was this house so big?! I completely forgot where the exit was.
"Solar! Where are you?!"
Oh hell no. Why was Leo chasing me?!
I looked around frantically and slipped into the nearest room. Pressing my ear to the door, I listened closely to his footsteps. When they finally faded, I exhaled deeply.
"Finally, he's gone…"
But then I froze as realization hit me.
Slowly, very slowly, I turned around—only to come face-to-face with Luke.
He was sitting there in a crisp white long-sleeved shirt and black pants, looking like a fallen angel with a severely damaged moral compass. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
"Sit here," he said, tapping the chair beside him.
I couldn't move.
Red flag. Major red flag.
This man—this man literally assaulted the original female lead. Why was I here?!
"S-sorry! I promise this won't happen again! I won't come in here again!" I blurted out, stepping back toward the door.
"I didn't say you could leave," he replied coldly.
I swallowed hard and looked at him. He smiled—a slow, unsettling smile.
"Why are you so scared? Did I do something wrong?"
"H-huh? No, nothing."
Everything will be fine. I'm not the female lead. I'll survive. Probably.
I hesitated before slowly taking the seat beside him. His eyes never left me—not even for a second.
"So," he said, "how does it feel?"
"Pardon?" What was he even talking about?
"To be rejected by Xavion." He snorted. "You really are stupid. Xavion has rejected so many people, yet you still had the guts to confess."
This man. This man will be the reason I murder someone in this life.
I smiled gently. "It's fine if he rejects me. What matters is that he knows how much I love him."
"Weird." Luke shook his head in disappointment.
"You just don't understand love," I said softly.
He stiffened. Slowly, his gaze lifted to mine.
"But I'm sure the day will come when someone makes your heart beat. Then you'll understand what I feel."
"You really think someone will like me?" he asked, almost scoffing—but there was something vulnerable there.
I giggled. "Of course. I can predict the future, you know."
I stood up and waved at him. "Bye."
As I walked out the door, I could still feel his eyes trailing after me.
_______>
I am never going back to that house again. Ever. My mental health can't handle it.
I looked out the window and spotted Leo chatting with Charlotte. They seemed close. Good for them.
"Solar."
I turned toward the voice—and saw Kaius smiling at me.
"Yes?" What did he want now?
"Could you help me? I have too many books to carry," he said, gesturing to the pile stacked on his desk.
There were plenty of students around. Why me?
Why not ask another guy?
Wait—did he not consider me a girl?!
How dare you?!
"Sure," I said with a polite smile. I picked up the stack of books, handing the rest to him.
Tsk. Some gentleman he was. He walked ahead of me, and I rolled my eyes behind his back.
"Sorry, Solar," he said suddenly.
"For what?"
He turned to me and took the books from my arms. "Isn't that heavy?"
"Actually, I didn't really need help carrying the books," he admitted. "I just wanted to spend time with you. I was too shy to say it."
"Spend time with… me?" I looked around. Not a single soul was nearby. "Are you sure you mean me?"
He laughed lightly and nodded. "Actually… I admire you."
"Why?" I asked.
Even though he smiled, he looked undeniably sad. Then I remembered—he liked Charlotte.
Since childhood, Charlotte had always protected him. He couldn't swim, and she was the only one brave enough to save him.
Many people wanted him dead for his money, yet she was the only one who stayed by his side.
"I don't know where to find the courage to confess to her," he whispered.
I blinked at him.
"Are you afraid of being rejected?" I asked.
He faltered at my words. "…Yes. I don't want to hear that she loves someone else."
He placed the books neatly on the shelf. "I guess that makes me a terrible person."
What did he expect me to do? Cheer him up?
I patted his shoulder gently. "Just eat your feelings. It's satisfying and you'll feel full afterward."
Mukbang. Yes. A mukbang. I hadn't done one in ages.
"If you want, I can help you finish everything on the table," I added.
He stared at me, surprised—then after a moment, he laughed.
"You're really funny, Solar."
He reached out and gently brushed my hair, making me freeze.
"Thank you," he murmured. "You're trying to make me feel better, right? I appreciate it."
" You're really so kind."
If only he knew—I wasn't trying to cheer him up. I simply wanted free food.
My money had run out after buying all those necessities, and Mom wouldn't send more until next week.
"You're… welcome," I replied awkwardly.
______
"Lady Solar."
I turned toward the soft voice calling my name.
"Charlotte?" I blinked at her. Why was she looking for me? "Is something wrong?"
"Actually, I—"
Before she could finish, two girls rushed toward me, practically squealing.
"Solar! What's your relationship with August?!" one of them asked, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Huh? Relationship? What are you talking about?"
Were these two losing their minds? Maybe they were just hungry.
"Don't hide it from us, sis! Yieee!" the other one squealed. "August is looking for you right now!"
My eyes widened. I glanced at Charlotte, whose expression froze in shock. "N-no! It's not what you think—"
"And he's on his way to this classroom!" the first one added. They started screaming again.
I bit my lip and took off running.
They probably didn't expect it, but I didn't care. Once I got far enough, I stopped to catch my breath.
I slipped into the clinic and sat on the bed.
"Whew… I'm exhausted—"
Then I froze when I saw someone else.
Levi was lying on the other bed, fast asleep.
Oh no. OH NO. He was… stupidly handsome. He looked like a K-pop idol resting between concerts.
He slowly opened his eyes, and when his gaze landed on me, my cheeks burned.
"Solar?"
I jumped to my feet. "I—I just passed by! Whatever you're thinking, it's wrong!"
Why couldn't I look at him properly?
He giggled softly. Even his laugh was attractive. Why was that allowed?
"It's okay. You should rest first. You were running, weren't you?"
"H-how did you know?"
He stood, placed a hand on my shoulder, and gently pushed me back onto the bed.
"Rest for a bit," he said with a warm smile. "Sorry my siblings bothered you earlier. If there's anything I can help with, just tell me."
He was too kind. Too pure. Too precious.
"Thank you," I whispered.
He shook his head lightly. "I should be the one thanking you. You've been very patient. You're really a kind person, Solar."
With that, he left the room.
Omg! Hehehe! Why is my heart giggling right now?!
"Do you like him?"
I turned toward the voice beside me.
"Lake? What are you doing here?"
Was he following me?
"It got boring in the classroom, so I came here." He glanced at me lazily. "I couldn't sleep because of someone."
He turned away with an eye roll.
How was I supposed to know he was here? If I had known, I wouldn't have entered.
"I'm sorry, I won't come here again," I said with a polite smile. I was about to leave when he spoke again.
"'I'm sorry, I'll be careful next time,'" he said, mimicking my voice.
I frowned and looked at him.
He smiled playfully. "That's what the real Solar would say."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
He chuckled softly. "Are you saying you're fake?"
"I never said that."
"Did I?" he replied teasingly.
"I don't understand you. I should go and let you rest."
You're scary to talk to.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said with a smile.
I stared at him. What was he even talking about?
"Take care, Solar."
______
Was he okay? Or was there something wrong inside his head?
Was that a warning?
I opened the door to my room, muttering to myself.
Zemira, when will your life ever be peaceful again?
I flopped onto the bed—
Only to land on something hard.
"Ow!"
I scrambled back, alarmed.
"Who's there?!"
I saw a head of black hair with blue tips… and bright blue eyes.
"Keon?"
"You're heavy! Eat a little less, will you?" he snapped.
"What did you say?" I asked with a sweet smile.
He leaned closer until our faces were inches apart.
A wicked smirk curled on his lips.
"I said. You. Are. FAT."
That's it. I officially lost all patience.
I grabbed his hair. "You little—!"
He yelped and pulled my hair back. "Let go of my hair, fatty!"
I saw red.
"I wasn't born just to be called fat! I have a name! S-O-L-A-R! Solar! Are you stupid?!"
"I'm always on the honor roll! You're not even on the list!" he shouted back.
Oh this child was insane.
"Oh yeah?!" I shoved him hard, knocking him flat on the bed, and climbed on top of him.
He froze for a second, clearly not expecting the attack.
"You think I won't fight you?! You little—!"
He grabbed my hair again, and I did the same to him.
"Hey! Hey! Stop! What are you two doing?!"
Levi immediately pulled me away while Kaius dragged Keon off the bed.
"What is going on?!" Kaius demanded.
Tears suddenly filled my eyes, and Levi wrapped his arms around me protectively. His face was full of concern.
"I didn't know you all hated me that much!" I cried. "I know I'm just a bother! But is it my fault that I like Xavion?! I didn't choose this!"
"Stop pretending, Solar! Show them who you really are!" Keon snapped.
As if I'd listen to him. I'm not stupid like he is.
"Keon! Apologize! Right now!" Kaius ordered angrily.
"No! I won't! Because I didn't do anything wrong!" Keon shouted back.
"Shh… We don't hate you, Solar," Levi whispered gently. "I understand how you feel. None of us are angry with you."
His hand moved soothingly along my back.
"I—I'm sorry," I whispered.
Then I pulled away and ran—ran as fast as I could away from all of them.
When I finally reached a quiet hallway, I stopped and tried to catch my breath.
"You're right. It isn't your fault… that you love me."
I froze and slowly looked up.
There, sitting casually on the balcony rail, was Xavion—smiling that dangerous, mocking smile of his, eyes fixed on me like I was something he owned.
"Y-you heard earlier?"
It wasn't even true—everything I said back there was just… emotional panic!
He stepped down from the railing and walked toward me. I instinctively backed away.
"Yes," he said softly. "Were you serious about it?"
"What?"
"Is it true?" He tilted his head slightly, a glint in his eyes.
"That you love me?"