Alexander's POV
Her expression was so funny, I couldn't help but smile silently. Since the day I arrived here, people—especially the girls—had labeled me "a snub." But they never knew I was just battling with my own memories. My parents' constant conflicts have haunted me since childhood, and silence was my only way to breathe.
I've known Bella since the first day I stepped into this school. She used to be my seatmate… until she realized her seat was number 17, which made seat 24—the last one—vacant. That was when she left, and I stopped talking to her completely. Somehow, that earned me the nickname "DHG."
And now, there's this new girl beside me. Poker-faced, mysterious, but beautiful. I don't even know her name yet. Maybe it's time I ask.
"Please… what's your name?" I asked, leaning slightly forward.
Her reaction was priceless.
Holly's POV
Did he just ask my name?!
My eyes widened instantly as his sweet, angelic voice echoed softly through the classroom. His gaze locked into mine—those deep eyes staring right into my soul. Oh my God… I didn't see that coming.
"M-my name… I'm Holly," I stuttered, trying to stop my voice from trembling.
"I'm Xander," he said, that same calm smile resting on his lips.
"Nice meeting you," he added, stretching out his hand.
I hesitated for half a second, then shook his hand. No way I was letting that hang awkwardly.
"Nice meeting you too," I said, tucking my hair behind my ear nervously.
He tilted his head, observing me closely.
"Is everything okay? You seem a bit frustrated… or fidgety. Want to talk about it?" he asked, sounding more concerned than curious.
That was my cue. My chance to speak.
"I… need someone to show me around the school," I said, pouting slightly.
"Okay fine, I will," he replied, rolling his eyes in a playful way.
Alexander's POV
I don't even know how asking her name turned into me showing her around.
She's… just irresistible.
"Okay fine, I will," I repeated, as she broke into a small victory smile—like she just won an award.
She caught me watching her, then instantly switched back to that poker face again. How does she do that?
"Shall we?" I asked, standing up to grab my phone.
"Sure," she replied, already leading the way—walking like she owned the hallway. I chuckled and followed.
We stopped by the event hall, and soon the cafeteria. She couldn't stop exclaiming about everything she saw.
"Are you from California?" she asked, breaking the silence as we walked.
"Nope. I'm new here," I replied.
"Same here," she said, smiling as we entered the cafeteria.
"What should I get for you?" I asked after picking a spot.
"Never mind, I still have some cash with me," she said, searching her jacket pocket.
I raised an eyebrow. "I asked what to get for you, not if you have money."
She sighed, finally giving in. "Okay, fine. I'll prefer snacks, ice cream, and chocolate."
"Poker girl," I teased, grinning as I headed to the counter.
"Two bowls of ice cream and four chocolates," I ordered.
"Great choice!" the vendor said as I paid and carried the tray back.
"Here," I said, handing her an ice cream and two chocolates.
"Thanks," she replied, smiling softly before digging in.
After finishing our snacks, we followed the sound of cheers to the football field. It was 1–1—Bella scored for the ladies, and Jace for the guys.
Football's always been my thing, but I don't want attention here. Holly, on the other hand, looked completely uncomfortable.
"Wanna go somewhere else?" I asked.
"Yeah," she said quickly, like she'd been waiting for me to suggest it.
Since I didn't know where else to go, I tapped my wristwatch. "Alpha, anywhere else to explore?"
"Options available," my AI responded.
"School Music Studio."
"Dance Hall."
"Science Lab."
"School Love Garden (SLG)."
"School Love Garden," I said, and Alpha instantly displayed the map.
We followed the directions until we arrived at the garden.
"Wow, this place looks so nice," Holly exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.
"And beautiful," I added, looking around.
She sat on one of the marble benches. "Have you been here before?"
"No, Alpha guided me here," I said, shrugging.
"You built that?" she asked, pointing at my wristwatch.
"Nah, it's—"
Before I could finish, her phone rang.
"It's my mum," she said, answering the call.
📞 "Hi, Mum."
📞 "Yeah, I know."
📞 "Holy crap… not again. I just resumed school!"
Her voice broke, and tears filled her eyes as I stared silently, not sure what was happening.
Holly's POV
Mum said the bad guys after Dad's life have tracked us down again.
📞 "We just got here three days ago, don't tell me we're leaving already!" I shouted, my voice trembling between anger and fear.
📞 "I'm sorry, Holly," Mum said. "They've upgraded their tracking system. I tried faking our location, but it's not working. We're heading straight to the airport once we get you."
"Mum, I'm not going anywhere!" I snapped. "If I'm going to die today, then fine! I'm tired of running. I want to see those guys!"
📞 "Please understand, Holly. I can't let you get yourself killed. I have to hang up now."
And just like that—she hung up.
I sat there frozen, heart pounding, anger boiling deep inside. The kind of anger that could shatter glass if it ever found a way out.