The loud sound of the school bell echoed through the hallway, signaling the beginning of a new term at Royal star College. Students bustled about, hugging old friends, lugging bags filled with fresh notebooks, and searching for their new classrooms. Amid the chaos stood Jordan Miles, a tall, quiet boy with a permanent look of quiet curiosity in his eyes.
He was entering his final year in the science department, and unlike many of his classmates who grumbled about the stress of upcoming exams, Jordan felt calm. School was his harbor where everything made sense. Equations had answers. People, however, were the one thing he hadn't quite figured out.
He adjusted his school tie and walked through the door of his class taking his usual seat near the window. From here, he could see the large compound of the school and could see the students who passed by. As always, he arrived early. A few boys soon entered, laughing and greeting each other with exaggerated handshakes.
"Guy! Jordan, you're still the punctual one!" called Desmond, his closest friend, collapsing into the seat beside him.
Jordan smiled faintly. "You know I like silence he said.
Desmond nudged him with an elbow. "Don't tell me you're still avoiding girls this term too. This is our last chance, bro. You can't just graduate without at least one crush story, Desmond teased.
Jordan rolled his eyes. "Crushes don't pass exams, Desmond."
As Desmond laughed and launched into a story about his holiday trip, the door opened again. This time, the room fell unusually quiet. A girl walked in,one Jordan had never seen before.
She had smooth brown skin, eyes that danced like they knew secrets, and a confident sway in her step. She wore the same garnet-and-cream uniform, but she made it look like fashion. Her hair was neatly made, and her school bag dangled over one shoulder like she didn't have a care in the world.
Jordan couldn't look away.
"Who is that?" Desmond whispered, leaning closer.
"No idea," Jordan murmured, still staring.
The girl scanned the room, saw the empty seat in front of Jordan , and walked over. "Is this seat free?"
Jordan cleared his throat. "Yes—yeah, it's free."
She smiled. "Thanks."
Her scent was soft—like vanilla and something floral. As she settled in, Jordan sat rigidly in his seat, unsure of what to do with his hands. Desmond grinned beside him, elbowing him again but saying nothing this time.
Moments later, the class teacher, Mrs. Anderson, strode in, clapping her hands for attention. "Settle down, everyone. New term, new responsibilities."
She began the usual welcome speech, going over timetables, announcing that prefectship voting would take place soon, and that the upcoming exams were only months away. Jordan barely heard a word. His mind kept drifting to the girl sitting in front of him.
After class, Desmond pulled him aside. "You're not going to talk to her?"
"What would I say?" Jordan replied. "Hi, I calculate molecules and avoid emotional damage?"
Desmond chuckled. "You're hopeless."
As they walked toward the school canteen, they heard footsteps behind them. It was her. She had her tray of rice and plantain and was looking around for a seat.
Before Jordan could speak, Desmond stood up. "You can sit here," he offered.
"Thanks," she replied, sitting beside Jordan.
"I'm Desmond". This is my shy friend Jordan. And you are?
"Madeleine ," she said, flashing another smile. "Just transferred from Royal Heights Academy."
Jordan nodded politely, struggling to keep his composure.
"So," Desmond said, "what made you transfer schools in final year?"
Madeleine shrugged. "Family reasons. My dad thinks I need more discipline. He says Royal star has a reputation for 'shaping futures.'" She made air quotes and rolled her eyes, making both boys laugh.
Jordan finally found his voice. "What subjects do you offer?"
"Literature, Government, Economics … I'm in the arts."
"Science and arts," Desmond joked. "What a combo."
Madeleine raised a brow. "Why? You think we don't get along?"
Jordan smiled for the first time. "Guess we're about to find out."
After lunch, the trio headed back to class. As the day dragged on, Jordan felt something new—a flutter in his chest he couldn't explain. He kept sneaking glances at Madeleine's handwriting, the way her fingers twirled her pen during lectures, how she bit her lip when thinking.
By the end of the day, as students packed up to go home,Madeleine turned and looked at him.
"You're quiet," she said.
"I think a lot," he replied.
She nodded. "I like that."
And just like that, she walked out of the classroom, leaving Jordan staring after her, a soft, stunned smile forming on his face.
Desmond patted his back. "Bro, you've officially entered the game."
Jordan looked at the door, where Madeleine had just disappeared. Something had shifted in his world today, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for it.
But maybe, just maybe… he wanted to be.