"Class 11-B4. Today's my first day. Now, show me around the school, okay?" she said quickly, slipping her hand into his. Before he could refuse, Kaivan found himself being pulled along, following her confident steps through hallways that suddenly felt like a stage.
From behind a pillar, a sharp pair of eyes glared, Tania. Her gaze pierced through, heavy with anger wrapped around old wounds.
"Kaivan should've relied on me. Bullied, broken… and then saved by me. That's how it was supposed to be. I'd pull him close, use him however I pleased… just like before," she muttered bitterly, every word drenched in resentment.
Beside her stood Dandi, broad-shouldered with long hair, watching with unease. He knew Tania's emotions weren't to be underestimated. "Tania… are you really just mad? Or is this something else? Obsession, maybe?" he asked carefully.
Tania's head snapped toward him, eyes blazing. "Obsession? Don't be ridiculous! He's just a weakling I played with once. And now… now I'll be the one to humiliate him!" Her voice rang sharp, yet unsteady, cracks she couldn't hide.
From the back, Rina adjusted her glasses, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. "Leave her, Dan. She's fighting her own battle right now. We can't interfere." Her tone was calm but firm.
Around them, students whispered nervously. "No wonder Kaivan turned her down… look at him now. His new girl's way out of her league." "Shh! Careful, Tania can hear you."
Tania's fists clenched, her face flushed red, not only with anger, but shame. The whispers cut deep. She spun around and stormed off, leaving Dandi and Rina in a silence that spoke for itself.
Meanwhile, Kaivan and Felicia finished their little tour of the school. Felicia walked with light steps, as if the floor itself had become her stage. Kaivan trailed behind, awkward under the weight of countless eyes.
In the garden, they spotted Radit lounging on a bench, legs propped up lazily. "Yo, Kaivan! Still hungry? Two lunches and you're still standing?" he teased, laughter bubbling out.
Kaivan waved, forcing a stiff chuckle.
Radit shook his head. "Unbelievable. You ate Thivi's lunch and then Felicia's? What are you, a bottomless pit?"
Felicia smiled, her hand brushing lightly over Kaivan's shoulder. "Kaivan can handle anything I make for him." Without hesitation, she sat down on his lap. Radit froze, stunned. The silence that followed was heavy, yet brimming with unspoken meaning. Something new had begun.
Raising his hand, Radit gestured as if to stop them. "Hey, Felicia. This is school, not your living room. Don't make this a habit here," he said, trying to sound stern, though a faint smile betrayed him.
Felicia frowned in confusion. "Remember what?" she asked innocently, unaware of how much attention her actions had drawn.
Kaivan cleared his throat softly. "I mean… don't sit on my lap like this. People are watching," he murmured, glancing nervously around as whispers began to spread.
Felicia sighed, then stood up and slid into the chair beside him. "Fine, fine. I'll move," she muttered, a faint trace of disappointment lingering behind her smile. She quickly shifted the topic. "We've got physical training again this afternoon. Don't forget."
Both Kaivan and Radit slumped at once. They knew exactly what that meant: sore muscles and sweat. Still, neither argued, only nodding to avoid stretching the awkwardness.
Their conversation flowed lightly after that, like a stream weaving between forest shade. Quiet laughter, soft smiles. Felicia tucked a strand of her long hair behind her ear, while Kaivan kept his gaze fixed ahead, careful to avoid meeting her eyes. They talked about trivial things: lessons, drinks from the cafeteria, small events in class.
Then the bell rang, loud and sharp. The warmth of laughter was replaced by silence.
Kaivan rose, checking his watch. "Let's head back to class."
Felicia nodded, but just as they were about to leave, Kaivan raised a hand to stop her.
His eyes locked onto hers. "Fel… let the others know to gather at the workshop. Don't be late. There's something I need to tell them."
Felicia's brows lifted, her ruby-red eyes flickering with unspoken questions, but she didn't press. "Alright. I'll let them know," she replied gently.
She pulled her phone from the pocket of her skirt, her fingers moving swiftly, with the calm focus of a soldier carrying out a mission.
And Kaivan… could only watch her walk away, carrying his message, and a secret soon to be shared.
From the shadows of another corridor, Tania stood clutching a book to her chest, her gaze sharp, hiding the unrest boiling quietly within.
"His other friends?" she whispered, narrowing her eyes as if trying to pierce Kaivan's thoughts from afar. "Don't tell me… he has a secret place now. What is he planning?"
That suspicion clung to her like ice, cold, sharp, and unwilling to let go.
The moment Kaivan stepped into the classroom, the air stirred with noise. A student raised his hand, a teasing grin on his face.
"Hey, that girl who fed you earlier... is she your girlfriend?" he asked, half joking, half serious.
The question dropped like a stone into still water, every gaze immediately turned toward Kaivan.
He paused. His eyes were sharp, unwavering. "No... she isn't," he replied softly, yet firmly.