The Principal's Office
Principal Armani's office was a study in opulent tradition. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, a massive glass chandelier hung from the high ceiling, and rich, dark curtains framed the arched windows. A mini-golf course was tucked into one corner, and in another, a luxurious cream couch sat across from a sleek glass table.
In the midst of this extravagance, Principal Armani sat across from a young man who radiated quiet confidence. He wore a black turtleneck and black trousers, a stark contrast to the school's purple suit jacket draped over his shoulders. A black mullet fell to his shoulders, framing dark brown eyes and a composed expression. His accessories—a diamond-engraved Rolex, a twenty-four-carat gold chain, and a single cross earring on his right ear—spoke of subtle wealth and power.
This was Sebastian Norman, Aliyah's elder brother, the boy Megara had seen on her balcony, and the fourth son of the infamous Norman family, one of the most powerful business dynasties in the USA.
Mr. Armani's face was unreadable as he read the file Sebastian had given him. "It's a pleasure having you back, Mr. Norman. You left in 9th grade, and now here you are, sitting in my office." His voice was measured, but Sebastian's expression remained unchanged. "There are quite a few prestigious schools in the US. Why did you choose to return to Royal Von High?"
Sebastian smirked, his white teeth, which had diamond braces, glittered in the light. "What can I say? There's no place like home." He replied, turning his gaze to his perfectly manicured nails, which were painted in the school's purple. "I missed Royal Von High and all the drama."
Mr. Armani sipped his tea, setting the cup down before meeting Sebastian's gaze. "That's a nice one. It's good to have you back." He wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Sebastian. "Here. This is your schedule. You're in Class 12H, room 2."
Sebastian took the paper calmly. "I know it's the class for delinquents, but it was the only one with available space," Mr. Armani continued, but Sebastian only smirked.
"That will do, Mr. Armani. No need to stress yourself," Sebastian said, his voice laced with a subtle threat. "If you have nothing more to say, I'll take my leave." He stood up to leave, the tension in the room thick and heavy.
Mr. Armani's eyes were sharp, scrutinizing every detail of Sebastian. "You may leave, but at all costs, avoid Uriel," he warned, his voice dim with worry. "He's still a sleeping monster. His grief is still as dangerous as it was, and sensitive words like Aliyah's death must not be spoken."
Sebastian laughed, the sound cold and deadly. He turned with a smug smile, his purple suit jacket still slung over his shoulder, adding to his formidable aura. "Don't worry, his majesty will not be disturbed," he said, the words dripping with mockery.
He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mr. Armani groaned with frustration. He pressed a button, and his secretary, dressed in a red knee-length skirt, a black top, and a red suit jacket, walked in, her steps bold and unfaltering.
Her heels clicked softly on the marble floor until she stopped in front of his desk. "Sir, you summoned me?" she asked. He nodded. "What can I do for you?"
"Keep a close watch on Sebastian and Uriel. I want their every move and action monitored. Make sure they do not, at all costs, cross paths," he said, watching her walk back to her desk.
"Yes, sir," she agreed, bowing her head before walking out of the office.
After School
The bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Megara packed her iPad and textbooks before switching off her computer. Jane and Laura walked over, wrapping their arms around hers as they moved through the crowded hallway.
Megara was worried about Hugo. He hadn't shown up since their lunch meeting, and she couldn't stop thinking about how unfocused he'd been in class. Her friends noticed her distraction and gave her a light tug, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"What's going on with you?" Jane asked, her voice filled with concern.
Megara shook her head, feigning ignorance. "What do you mean? Nothing's wrong with me."
Jane stood in front of her, her arms folded. Laura shot Megara a look that made her feel exposed. "Don't try to play innocent, girl. Something is wrong," Laura scolded, and Jane nodded in agreement. Megara tried to walk away, but they blocked her. "By the way, have you seen Hugo? He seemed off this morning."
"That's why I'm worried," Megara said, sounding defeated. Realizing her mistake, she clasped her hand over her mouth.
Jane and Laura looked at each other with amusement before turning back to Megara. "You don't have to hide it. We're worried about him too," Jane said, patting her shoulder. "It's okay to be worried about a friend, but it shouldn't weigh you down like that."
"I know, but I can't help it," Megara replied as they walked to the garage. "Maybe it's my loyalty trait kicking in. I can't just watch a friend be in unspoken pain."
"We get it. But since he's back with the Z3, maybe he just skipped class for a more... 'extravagant' approach to life. It's a tradition with them," Laura suggested, but Jane and Megara both shot her a glare. "I'm serious! Uriel is an utterly disgusting playboy, Zack's a total jerk, and Hugo... he's a true Adonis. It's not unusual for him to go out with his friends."
Jane looked around, putting her hand over Laura's mouth. "Shhh! His secret watch might just hear you. Don't forget, he's always everywhere," she scolded. Laura looked worried, and the three of them ducked behind Jane's car, making a cross sign.
Megara snapped out of her daze. Why should she be scared if they were heard? She stood up and opened Jane's car door. "I'll call him just to make sure he's all right."
"Don't worry, she rode with me," Jane said, closing the car door and turning the key to start the engine.
The car exited the school premises, disappearing into the streets. Unnoticed, a Porsche roared to life, following their every move.
Jane felt the atmosphere in the car was dull, so she put on a song titled "Words of Love" by Haruka Chisuga. The soft melody filled the car, and she hummed along. Laura quickly joined in, but Megara felt off, despite smiling at Jane's goofiness.
"You guys are so unbelievable!" she giggled, trying to turn off the radio, but Jane playfully slapped her hand. "Change this song. It's so cheesy and awfully..."
"Romantic, don't you think?" Jane asked, batting her eyelashes, which made Megara laugh. "Why are you laughing? Haruka's songs make you feel extra loved, like you're in a relationship."
Megara gave her a funny look. "Don't be ridiculous! It's a nice song, I have to admit, but 'love'... hmm. It's more like a feeling of longing and unrequited love."
Laura giggled, her head popping up from the back seat. "Like the type you and Hugo have." She quickly clasped her hand over her mouth, realizing she had said too much. "Never mind."
Megara frowned, her mind reeling at her friend's words. 'What unrequited love?' she thought before turning to face Laura, who had just stuffed a chip into her mouth. "What do you mean? Hugo and I are just friends." She defended herself, then slumped back into the seat, reaching to change the song.
Another song played. Megara sighed, intending to relax, but then "You're Still the One I Love" by Shania Twain came on. "Oh, my god, Jane! Is this the only thing you have on your playlist?" she asked. Jane nodded. "I'm never riding with you again."
Jane smiled and changed the song to "Love Is the Moment" by Lee Min-ho. "Here, this one will help. It's slightly different." Megara shot her a tired look.
"Whatever," she rolled her eyes. "Guys, don't try to change the subject. What do you mean by unrequited love between Hugo and me?"
Jane sighed, focusing on the road. "You're so clueless about love," she scolded, and Megara groaned in frustration, hating how she sounded just like Tobi when he had chastised her for turning down a guy who once asked for her contact.
"I've been busy, so love isn't on the menu right now," she replied, scrolling through her phone.
"You don't know why everyone is convinced you've bewitched Hugo? It's because he was nicknamed the 'Devil of Royal Von' and sometimes called 'Uriel's Executioner,'" Jane explained, and Megara grew even more curious. "He was the epitome of rudeness, and I'm a living testimony. It's a miracle I've spoken to him after such an embarrassment."
"Hugo is no saint. He's an executioner. He hits where and when you least expect it," Laura explained, emphasizing her point by making a fictional knife motion. "He has never defended any girl but never missed the chance to sleep with them. They say if Zack has slept with sixty percent of the school's girls, Hugo has slept with the remaining thirty percent."
Megara almost threw up but held back. "Ewww, you're both gross!" she exclaimed. "I didn't bewitch him. I just showed him that life is beautiful without bullying."
"Exactly why he always looks at you so lovingly. I've never seen him look at anyone with such passion. His eyes literally glow," Jane giggled, fawning over his beauty. "It's a pity Uriel doesn't look at me that way. It would be nice if he noticed me."
"You still haven't forgotten about that jackass?" Megara asked, deeply concerned about her friend.
"No. He's my first love. How can I forget him so easily?" Jane replied, but Megara rubbed her shoulder.
Jane shook her head, her face feeling hot, and reached out to switch on the air conditioner. "Anyway, let's put that aside for now and think about our outfits," she said, and Laura's face immediately lit up. "Let's stop at the mall and get some new bikinis since it's a pool party."
"You guys can get bikinis. I'll just wear my sweatshirt and some pants, and I'm good to go," Megara replied, but Laura playfully smacked her head.
"What the hell was that for?" Megara asked, tossing a cheese ball at Laura.
"It's a pool party, not gym practice. And as friends to a model, we're supposed to look outstanding and eye-catching," Laura pointed out. "We need to look our absolute best so we can crush Amaya and Tanya into powder. I wonder what they'll look like defeated."
"Yeah, I wonder too," Jane chimed in. "I bet they'll run out of the party looking like bugs."
"That's not a very nice thing to imagine for someone," Megara scolded, but Jane just rolled her eyes.