"Omg, poor Fire," her seatmate muttered, a mix of sympathy and disbelief in their voice.
"Ice is still scary," a guy remarked, drawing quiet whispers from the others around him.
Oriel stood up abruptly, her eyes narrowing in irritation as she shot a glare toward Ice. "Can't you just act like a gentleman for once?" She was seething. How could he be so rude to Fire, of all people? Fire, who was always so sweet and understanding to everyone.
"Ice, you're the Supreme Student Council President, yet you don't even know how to show some respect for girls?" she added, her voice rising with challenge.
Dhylan, sensing the building tension, stepped in gently. "Ori, please. Let's not make things worse." His hands reached out, pulling Oriel back in a calming gesture.
The professor, having witnessed the exchange, shot Ice a disappointed look. "Settle down, everyone," she said firmly, her voice carrying a sense of authority, but the disappointment in her eyes was unmistakable. It wasn't the first time Ice's competitive nature had caused trouble, and she knew it wouldn't be the last.
Despite the growing tension, Dhylan managed to calm Oriel. As he returned to his seat, he leaned close to Ice, his voice low but laced with humor. "A little advice, bro—be kinder, especially to girls. Karma has a funny way of catching up with you," he whispered, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
Ice exhaled sharply, torn between irritation and guilt. Why was it that, in just a few days, everyone was already on her side? He couldn't shake the frustration bubbling in his chest.
This was the moment when he should've rushed to Fire, apologized, and tried to console her. But he didn't move. Instead, his mind focused on the classes he still had to attend. How could she skip all the lessons, especially the ones that were essential to her growth? It bothered him more than he wanted to admit.
After class, Oriel was already in motion, her mind set. "Let go, you idiot DJ! I'm going to find Fire," she snapped, trying to pull her hand free from Dhylan's grip.
"No, don't! Let Ice handle it," Dhylan said, holding on tight, his voice casual but firm.
"As if that frozen-hearted monster will even care to look for her!" Oriel shot him an irritated glare, frustrated by his ridiculous suggestions. This wasn't the first time.
"Trust me on this one." Dhylan's tone softened slightly, trying to reason with her.
"Good thing I don't trust you." With a quick flick of her wrist, Oriel pulled away and began walking toward the door, her determination clear.
"Ori, that hurts my feelings!" Dhylan whined dramatically, his voice going high-pitched. "I'm gonna kiss you now! Here comes Batman's kiss!" He grinned and pulled her back toward him, pretending to swoop in for a kiss.
"Stop! Don't even think about it!" Oriel shrieked, stepping on his foot to break free.
In the background, students began noticing, quickly raising their phones to snap pictures. It wasn't unusual—Oriel and Dhylan were the campus couple, after all. A moment like this would be perfect fodder for the gossip section of the school paper.
EXT- OUTSIDE THE CAMPUS GROUNDS
Where do I go now?
I ran outside before I could even process what I was feeling. Everything just hit me all at once—embarrassment, frustration, that sinking weight of stress I'd been trying to ignore all week.
He's so mean.
My chest ached. I know I'm not perfect, but he could've said it a little nicer. I wiped the tears off my cheeks, ashamed of them now. Everyone had warned me that Ice was cold and scary, but I never thought it'd be this bad.
Maybe it's because I've always been surrounded by kind people. My parents, my friends, my manager—everyone treated me like I was made of glass.
"You're too innocent, sweetheart," my mom used to say, patting me gently on the head.
I miss her.
Mommy, I really miss you.
Maybe... maybe I'm the problem. I sighed, hugging my arms. I don't even know what I'm doing here at this school. All I ever wanted was to follow my dreams. Is that too much?
I was yanked out of my spiral by a burst of laughter nearby.
"Oh my god, this ice cream is amazing!"
"Totally! That new ice cream parlor down the street is so good!"
Ice cream.
It was an emergency. I need it now.
I bolted toward the parlor without a second thought. Ice cream has always been my comfort food—our family go-to during tough days. It reminded me of home, of bonding moments, of everything safe and warm.
I sat down inside, holding my cone like it was the last bit of happiness I had, pressed against the glass wall overlooking the street. The sun was still shining outside, but it was getting late. Students were trickling off campus. I never thought it would be this hard, but I still wanted to cook—just like Mommy did for me. I exhaled.
I should leave soon. I don't want to see him again. But before I could even finish that thought, my heart stopped.
Ice?
I blinked. He was outside, standing right there—watching me through the glass. His face was half in sunlight, a bag slung over his shoulder, the same blank expression on his face. Cold. Unreadable.
Is he here to scold me again?
I looked away, staring out the window, pretending I didn't see him. Maybe he wasn't looking for me. Maybe I just imagined it. He's only here to yell at me again. Right?
I tried to focus on the sweetness melting in my mouth. Ice cream didn't judge. Ice cream didn't give you death stares.
Still... I glanced over my shoulder.
Gone.
Was I imagining things now? Why would I imagine him of all people?
"Hey."
I jumped in my seat. "Don't startle me like that!" I snapped, spinning around.
It was him. Ice. Still aloof as ever, but this time, there was something... different. He looked like a guilty little kid caught stealing snacks. But he didn't say anything.
And then the guilt came rushing back.
I ruined his reputation. He's so serious about everything, and I messed it up.
The anger I felt earlier started to melt, like my ice cream. Just puddles now.
"We have another lab next week," he said. His tone was still flat, but it wasn't as cold. "It's about the decoration. We need to practice."
I stared at him, confused by the sudden change in attitude.
"We'll be partners until the end of the semester," he added, a little quieter this time. "We need to practice as soon as possible."
I looked down at my melting cone, suddenly feeling heavy all over again. "I can ask the professor to change partners," I offered, trying not to sound like I was running away—even though that's exactly what I wanted to do.
His expression darkened. I could feel the tension rise, the way it always did when he was about to shut someone down.
"We have an even number of partners," he said, his voice snapping a little sharper. "If you ask to switch, you'll end up with no one."
"That's fine," I murmured, turning my back to him. My voice sounded small, even to me. "I'll just go if I fail."
I don't know if I meant it—but part of me did.
He didn't say anything for a second. And then I felt the gentle tug of the chair under me as he turned it so I was facing him again.
He looked right at me, his face laced with anger—no, it was disappointment.
"I thought you wanted to learn," he said, and for the first time, his voice wasn't cold—it sounded betrayed, like I'd let him down. There was a weight behind his words that pressed into my chest, heavy and unrelenting. His eyes didn't glare this time—they searched, as if trying to understand why I'd even said what I did. "If you're just going to give up like this, then go ahead. This isn't like mixing ingredients. It's harder. You can't just be here for half-hearted dreams."
I stared at him, stunned. The words hit harder than I expected. And before I could think of anything to say, he turned and walked out—leaving me there, staring at the door, my ice cream long forgotten.