The morning sun had barely risen over the campus when the air shifted. A strange energy rippled through the courtyard, pulling every gaze in one direction. Whispers spread like wildfire.
"They're new…"
"Look at them—are they even human?"
"Are they related to Davon?"
Two figures strode through the gates, their presence impossible to ignore.
The first was Devin, Davon's younger cousin. His hair shimmered under the sunlight like strands of silver silk, and his eyes carried the same burning intensity as Davon's, though softer—like fire wrapped in velvet. He walked with a calm assurance that made every girl's breath hitch.
Beside him was Lucien, the second cousin. His beauty was sharper, almost dangerous, with a smile that felt both inviting and taunting. Where Devin radiated quiet grace, Lucien exuded playful mischief. Together, they were like a painting come to life, perfect and untouchable.
The courtyard erupted.
Girls squealed, clutched their books to their chests, and practically threw themselves in the cousins' path. Some whispered their names as if they already belonged to them, others fought for a glance, a nod, a smirk.
Anastasia, who had sworn only days ago that Davon was her entire world, froze in place. Her lips parted as her eyes locked onto Devin. "Oh… my… goodness." She tugged at Elise's sleeve, nearly shaking her. "Elise, do you see him? He's… he's like a walking dream!"
Elise groaned, rolling her eyes. "Not again."
But Anastasia wasn't alone. Patricia, usually level-headed and sharp-tongued, had her gaze firmly fixed on Lucien. Her cheeks warmed as she whispered under her breath, "Now that is a man who could ruin someone's sanity."
Elise gawked at her friend. "Patricia—you too?!"
Even Nikki, who until now was obsessed only with Davon, faltered. She and her clique stood in the corner, whispering furiously, torn between chasing after Davon or surrendering to the intoxicating new arrivals.
Ellie, however, was unmoved. Her eyes remained locked on Davon in the distance, her obsession unwavering. "They're nothing compared to him," she hissed, but no one seemed to hear.
The crowd thickened, voices rising with excitement. Girls shoved one another for attention, fluttered their lashes, and begged for introductions. Devin offered a small, polite smile that made hearts skip beats, while Lucien laughed easily, teasing the boldest admirers and leaving trails of blushes in his wake.
From the balcony above, Davon watched the chaos unfold. His jaw tightened, irritation flaring. Not at his cousins—no, he loved them—but at the circus their presence created. He had fought hard to keep a low profile despite his own popularity. Now, with Devin and Lucien here, things would spiral out of control.
And worse… his gaze shifted to Elise, standing awkwardly at the edge of the crowd, her brows knit in frustration as Anastasia practically swooned at Devin's feet and Patricia shamelessly stared at Lucien.
Davon's hands clenched at his sides. This is going to be trouble.