Bryan POV
The shrill sound of his alarm ripped through the quiet of his room. Bryan shot upright, glaring at the obnoxious device.
"Why must you ring so loud?!" he yelled, pointing at the alarm as if it could hear him. A laugh escaped him despite himself. "one day I'm going to smash you to pieces!"
After a dramatic glare, he finally switched it off and swung his legs off the bed. Stretching, he headed to the bathroom for a shower, muttering to himself about the unfairness of mornings. Fifteen minutes later, clean and refreshed, he slipped into his crisp white and blue uniform, straightened his tie, grabbed his bag and laptop, and strutted downstairs.
"Morning, Mom," he greeted, trying to hide his groggy mood.
"Morning, Bryan," Mrs. Helen replied, her face calm as always. They exchanged pleasantries, small talk flowing for a few moments. But the silence that followed hinted that she had something important to say.
Finally, Mrs. Helen cleared her throat. "Bryan… have you been communicating with Mrs. Sarah and her daughter—Maria?"
Bryan froze mid-bite, glaring at his plate. Disgust colored his expression. "Mom… can I eat in peace? I don't want to choke on this food," he said sharply.
Mrs. Helen, unshaken, looked at him seriously. "I don't understand why you keep rejecting Maria. That girl clearly loves you. I think you should give her a chance to prove it."
Bryan couldn't hold back the laughter that burst from his chest. He nearly choked on his toast. "Mom! Are you serious? You really want me to date that… that ugly, fat-looking girl? Come on!"
He laughed again, shaking his head in disbelief. "Mom… I don't see anything good there. She's chubby and… well, pretty in her own way, maybe, but I… I can't."
"Bryan, stop that! You're becoming rude. Think about it—she loves you."
"No! Not again," he groaned, waving a hand dismissively.
"So… whom are you going to date now?" Mrs. Helen asked, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
Bryan smirked, confident. "Rachel."
"Over my dead body!" she said firmly. "That good-for-nothing girl? I don't care if she's cute—she lacks manners, discipline, and a proper sense of respect."
Bryan chuckled. "Come on, Mom. You really are dramatic sometimes. Rachel is fun, popular, and… let's be honest, she's gorgeous. I don't see the problem."
Mrs. Helen shook her head. "Bryan, one day you'll realize that looks alone aren't everything. Character, kindness, and respect matter too. Maria… she has all that. And you're too blind to see it."
Bryan rolled his eyes, smirking, and picked up his fork again. "Mom, I get it. You're trying to play matchmaker. But really… Maria? I'd rather date a pig! At least a pig doesn't nag, and it's honest about what it is. You can't convince me otherwise!"
"Bryan!" Mrs. Helen snapped, hands on her hips. "Enough! You're being disrespectful. I just want you to consider her feelings. She genuinely cares for you."
Bryan shook his head, laughing quietly to himself now, imagining Maria's shy, awkward demeanor juxtaposed with Rachel's charm. "Look, Mom… I appreciate your advice, but I'm grown. I'll choose who I want, and for now… it's Rachel."
Mrs. Helen let out a resigned sigh but didn't argue further. Bryan grinned to himself, finishing his breakfast with ease.
Once he was done, he called his driver downstairs. Within minutes, his bag and laptop were packed into the sleek black car outside. Bryan pecked his mom on the cheek lightly, flashing a charming smile that made her sigh, and slid into the backseat.
The driver adjusted the rearview mirror and started the engine. Bryan leaned back comfortably, eyes closed for a moment, already picturing the day ahead. Fabulous High School awaited him: the gossip, the laughter, the social hierarchy he ruled effortlessly. And somewhere, far in the background, Maria lingered in his thoughts—though he'd never admit it aloud.
The car rolled smoothly down the street, the morning sun glinting off the polished bodywork. Bryan's mind wandered, but a smirk never left his face. Today was going to be just another day of charm, attention, and effortless popularity… just the way he liked
Bryan's car pulled smoothly up to the school gate, and the driver opened the door. He stepped out, adjusting his tie and flashing a quick, charming smile. Almost immediately, whispers rippled through the crowd of students.
"Wow… he's cute."
"Did you see him?"
"Bryan is on another level!"
Bryan smirked, letting the attention wash over him. Popularity came naturally, and he soaked it up effortlessly.
Suddenly, a loud voice shouted, and Bryan stumbled slightly.
"Com'on, you fool! Can't you be mature for once?"
It was Joe, his best friend, appearing out of nowhere and grinning wildly.
Bryan narrowed his eyes, playing harshly. "Big man, fear, hahaha. Why so scared?"
Joe laughed and held up his hands. "Alright, alright, calm down!"
Bryan waved him off. "Get out!"
Joe leaned closer, teasing. "What happened? You look pissed."
"Well, if you must know… my mom spoiled my mood this morning," Bryan said, rolling his eyes.
Joe raised his eyebrows, curious. "Why? What happened?"
Bryan sighed dramatically. "She… talked about that fat pig."
Joe burst into laughter. "Who? Maria?"
Bryan groaned. "Of course. She keeps nagging me about her. Wants me to date her."
Joe laughed again, unable to hold it in. "Don't tell me you're still on that! Mom really wants you to give her a chance?"
Bryan scowled. "Of course. She's being on my neck all morning."
Joe's laughter finally subsided, and he held up his hands apologetically. "Okay, okay, my bad."
Then, Joe suddenly remembered something and his eyes lit up. "Ah! Before I forget… Our running competition is happening tomorrow. Everyone has to participate. Any team that wins carries the Runner Cup Award, worth 5 million naira!"
Bryan raised a brow, smirking. "That money is just popcorn to me. Count me out."
Joe nudged him. "C'mon… I know, right? But you still have to participate."
Bryan crossed his arms proudly. "I'm not supposed to be in school—I have a company to run! But my mom insists that if I don't complete my high school session with a certificate, she won't hand it over. Man, I have money… what's 5 million?"
Joe shook his head, sighing. "I know right, but you still have to participate. You can't escape it."
Bryan groaned dramatically but finally agreed after a few moments of internal resistance. "Fine. I'll participate. But only because she insists."
Joe grinned. "That's the spirit! Don't worry, we'll crush it."
With the tension of the morning settled—sort of—Bryan and Joe headed into the school building. The chatter of students, the laughter, the whispers, all swirled around them, but Bryan walked through it like he owned the place. Popularity, charm, and confidence were his armor, and no one dared to challenge it… at least not yet.
Classes awaited, but in the back of his mind, Bryan couldn't shake the thought of the running competition. Money aside, he hated losing—even in a school game. And as he strode into the building with Joe by his side, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.