The first Monday of the second semester at Blackwood High was as loud and chaotic as ever—filled with sleepy students, half-eaten sandwiches, and last-minute homework copying. I had barely stepped into the hallway when my best friend Clara threw an arm around my shoulder.
"Leo! Did you hear? We're getting a new student today. And guess what—he's hot."
I groaned, adjusting the strap of my bag. "Clara, every time you say that, it turns out to be a walking red flag with abs."
She grinned. "Well, I like danger."
I didn't reply. I just headed toward Room 3-B, mentally preparing myself for another boring homeroom session. But the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere felt different. The room was unusually quiet. Whispers floated in the air like smoke.
That's when I saw him.
Tall. Pale skin. Jet-black hair that curled slightly at the ends. Eyes like storm clouds—cold, unreadable, and just a little bit haunted. He stood beside the teacher's desk, hands in his pockets, wearing the school uniform like it was made for him.
"This is Kieran Hoshino," our homeroom teacher announced. "He'll be joining our class starting today. Please make him feel welcome."
He didn't bow. Didn't smile. Just stared at us like we were all beneath his notice.
Clara nudged me. "He's giving 'don't talk to me or you'll regret it' vibes. I love it."
I tried not to care. I tried to look away. But then, Kieran's gaze locked with mine—and for the briefest second, something flickered in his eyes. Recognition? Curiosity? It was gone before I could tell.
He walked past me and sat at the empty desk behind mine.
I swallowed hard.
Why did it feel like I had just stepped into the eye of a storm?