Aria's POV__.
Nooooo… why did I give such a stupid speech there? What a dumb thing to say… , what's wrong with me? But why did he look at me with those eyes… why am I always thinking about him?
I took a taxi back home. It was so hot, and the traffic was unbearable—I was almost burning inside, waiting for the line to move. One of the worst days.
The moment I reached home, as usual, I went upstairs without even looking at Nanny. I closed my door.
But today, it wasn't my speech or the students' response that bothered me. It was him. Always him—and his stare. Why did zorvath look at me like that? No one can read him, no one knows his emotions. And me? I don't even understand my own. Then how can I understand someone else's?
Do I… hate him? Or… did I fall in love?
No. No. No. No. That can't happen.
But why does he always annoy me? Why does he always tease me? Why?
The moment I close my eyes, the only memory that comes back is from that street… That kiss. It was forceful, but… did I enjoy it? Ever since then, I can't even sleep properly.
I was drowning in thoughts when my phone rang. It was Danvy. She rarely calls or texts me, so if she does, it must be for a reason.
I picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hello. … "
"What?"
"Come outside your house. I need to talk."
And with that, she cut the call.
That was fast. But still, curiosity burned through me. I glanced quickly at the mirror, fixed myself, and rushed outside. I couldn't delay even a minute.
I sat down, and she was already there, leaning on her bike. Danvy wore shorts, a top, a jacket, and her hair tied back in a ponytail. She gave me a small smile when she saw me.
I invited her in. "Come to my house."
But she shook her head. "No. You just come with me. Let's go somewhere and talk."
I agreed without thinking much. The next thing I remembered was sitting on the back of her bike, holding on as we rode away.
We reached the highway, where she stopped near a small ice cream shop.
"You don't even have a license," I said, half teasing, half serious.
She just smiled.
The breeze hit my face as I breathed in the fresh air. Danvy came back with two ice creams and handed one to me. I licked mine slowly, again and again, and noticed her watching me with a smile.
"You were wonderful today," she said.
"Huh?"
"Your speech. It was good."
Hearing that from Danvy—who rarely gave compliments—felt like winning an award. I smiled and said softly, "Thank you."
She sat on her bike, not ready to ride yet, but ready to talk.
"So… what's your plan about KHSS?"
"Actually… I have no idea," I admitted, playing with my ice cream.
She cleared her throat. "Then what about reopening the sports area? If you suggest it, I think others will listen. A lot of kids have talent, Aria. I know many."
Her words hit me. I nodded instantly. "You're right. That's a good idea."
Then she asked, casually but sharp, "And what about Zorvath?"
The moment his name dropped, my heart started pounding.
"So what's your relationship with him?" she pressed.
I froze, unable to reply. My throat tightened, words refusing to come out. Danvy watched me struggle, then just smiled knowingly and stood up, climbing onto her bike again.
I shoved the last bite of my ice cream into my mouth and quickly joined her. She dropped me back where she'd picked me up—no hugs, no sweet words, just a quiet goodbye.
And yet… it felt good.
Authors pov __.
The next day, tension pressed down on Aria like a weight. She walked slowly into KHSS, her steps echoing against the walls. Her heart thumped harder with every step closer to the courtyard.
But when she finally stepped in, her breath caught.
All the students were already there.
Waiting.
Her eyes darted across the crowd, scattered in little gaps and groups—but every gaze was fixed on her.
"So…" she muttered under her breath, her lips twitching nervously, "the speech wasn't that bad… right?"
"Not really," a voice cut in from behind her.
Aria froze, turning sharply. It was Sona.
The moment she saw her, relief washed through Aria. She moved forward quickly, arms lifting for a hug.
But Sona didn't move. She just stood there—motionless, her eyes cold, almost accusing.
Aria stopped in her tracks. "What?" she asked, her voice uncertain.
"You're fake," Sona said, her tone flat, but her eyes carried hurt.
Aria's breath stumbled. "What…?"
"You had everyone's trust. But you just threw me into that bastard's batch."
For a second, shock held her still. Then, to her own surprise, a smile tugged at Aria's lips. "Oh, Sona…" she sighed, shaking her head.
"What's funny?" Sona snapped.
"Relax," Aria said softly, almost teasing. "Relax. Let me explain."
"Explain what?" Sona's voice cracked, half anger, half sadness.
"First of all, I didn't make anyone a leader just because they're my friends. I chose them because they have talent. And second—" Aria leaned closer, eyes glinting mischievously, "you still don't even know the multiplication table."
Sona gasped. "W-What—"
"I should probably assign someone to give you some tough training, hmm?" Aria added with a smirk.
"No!" Sona squeaked, flustered, shaking her head rapidly. "No need, no need! I'll stay where I am, it's fine."
Aria's laughter slipped out, light and quick.
But before Sona could retort, another voice cut through.
"Everyone is waiting for you," Mirzand's tone rolled out smooth, almost lazy. He was leaning against the courtyard wall, arms folded, eyes flicking from Sona to Aria. "Are you not planning to come?"
Aria blinked at him, suddenly aware of how still the air around them had become.
As she stepped forward, Mursad pushed off the wall and followed—two steps behind her, his presence steady. Then, just before reaching the crowd, he matched her stride and came up beside her.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Aria looked at him, brows furrowed in confusion. "For what?"
"I know you put her in my batch on purpose," he replied, tilting his head toward Sona.
Aria's lips curved into the faintest smile. "Don't dare hurt her."
His smirk lingered, unreadable.
And with that, Aria stepped into the courtyard fully, shoulders squared, her presence immediately pulling the students' attention back to her. Confidence surged through her veins again, and the restless energy of the school began to bend toward her.