The person called William Moore adjusted his glasses.He didn't say a word—just gave a quick, timid nod.
Summer Lin let out a small sigh of relief."Alright then, Autumn, you can sit here for now. You might need to buy your own textbooks, but after school, I'll go with you to the bookstore."
But the moment Autumn James saw William's face, she froze.
Fear surged through her veins like ice water. Her entire body went cold, and the color drained from her face.Her steps stopped, as though someone had nailed her to the floor.
This William Moore… was the person who had killed her in her previous life.She could never mistake him — even if his hairstyle had changed, even if his long fringe covered his eyes.She would never forget that face.
Summer noticed Autumn standing there like a statue and called out softly, "Autumn?"
Autumn snapped back to reality, cold sweat trickling down her temples.Suppressing the panic in her chest, she nodded and quietly sat down beside William—keeping as much distance between them as possible.
William Moore was sick — literally, mentally sick.In her past life, it was precisely because of that mental instability that, after murdering her, he barely faced real punishment — only a few short years in prison.
In this life, she swore she'd stay as far away from him as possible.Other people might just talk big, but William… he was the kind who actually acted on his impulses.
Moments later, the class bell rang.Coincidentally, the next period was Chinese class.
The Chinese and math teachers were shared between both A-classes, only the language teachers differed.
So when the Chinese teacher entered, her sharp eyes instantly landed on the empty desk in front of Autumn James.
"Autumn James? Why are you here? You're supposed to be in the Humanities class! And where are your books?"
Before Autumn could respond, Summer Lin stood up calmly."Ms. Watson, Autumn has officially transferred to our class. Mr. White Miller approved it himself. I was told to help her adjust, and I'll go with her to buy her textbooks this evening."
Ms. Zelia Watson, a woman in her forties, was known for her sharp temper and her favoritism toward high-achieving students.And she hated students who used connections to get ahead.
To her, it was absurd that someone like Autumn could transfer to the elite Science A-Class.After all, girls rarely excelled in science, and Autumn's grades in the Humanities A-Class had been only average.The only explanation? Her powerful father—the chairman of the school board.
Seeing her star student, Summer Lin, defending Autumn only irritated Ms. Watson further."That's enough, Summer! Don't make excuses for her. It's one thing if she doesn't have her science books, but what's this? Not even a Chinese, math, or English book? What did you do in the Humanities Class—sleep through every subject?"
Her voice rose sharply, and her tone carried open anger.
Summer opened her mouth to explain again, but one icy glare from Ms. Watson stopped her cold.
Autumn stayed silent.It was her fault, after all.
Her Chinese grades had never been great, and Ms. Watson had never liked her—but Autumn didn't think that made the teacher cruel.Ms. Watson didn't just dislike her; she disliked every underperforming student, even Anna Hawthorne.
Seeing Autumn remain quiet only stoked Ms. Watson's temper."Go to your old classroom and get your books! Then come back!"
Autumn nodded obediently and stood up, preparing to leave.She just didn't know who was teaching the Humanities class right now…
But before she could take a single step, a lazy, low voice came from the back of the room.
"Ms. Watson, she can use mine. It's not like I'm using it anyway."
Zelia Watson's head snapped toward the voice, her anger flaring even hotter.
"Luke Warren! You have the nerve to speak? You got 100 out of 150 on your last exam—barely passing! Do you even realize—"
"—that the college entrance exam is a battlefield of thousands over one bridge? Yeah, yeah, you've said that about a hundred times, Ms. Watson. Don't you get tired?"
"You—!" Ms. Watson nearly choked from fury.
Before she could recover, Summer Lin spoke softly, "Ms. Watson, it's really not a big deal. I can lend Autumn my book for today."
One by one, other students chimed in—
"She can borrow mine too, Ms. Watson. It's just one period.""Yeah, it'd be rude to interrupt the Humanities Class just to fetch books now.""We can all share. It's fine!"
The room buzzed with agreement.
Ms. Watson's lips twisted in frustration. "Fine! Fine! What a united class you all are! Now start the lesson! Luke Warren, go stand at the back of the room!"
Just like that, the issue was over.
But for Autumn James, warmth spread quietly through her chest.It had been so long since anyone had ever stood up for her.
Behind her, Luke moved easily to the back—clearly used to being punished.Before leaving, he slid his textbook forward.One student passed it to another until it reached Autumn's desk.
A light tap on her shoulder.
Autumn turned slightly. "What is it?"
No reply—just the book handed toward her.She glanced down. It was the Chinese textbook they were using that period.
Surprised, she flipped open the cover.
Inside the front page, written in a bold, flowing hand, was his name:
Luke Warren.
Autumn whispered it silently in her heart. She didn't turn around, but she memorized the name.
From the podium, Ms. Watson noticed the exchange, her jaw tightening.These Science A-Class students were unbelievably arrogant. She'd have to talk to Mr. Miller about this later.
After 45 minutes, the bell finally rang.
Ms. Watson stormed out of the classroom, leaving behind a roomful of students snickering quietly.
Autumn held the borrowed book and walked toward Luke.
"Here—your book. Thank you."
She gave a small smile—rare, but soft and sweet.
Luke raised an eyebrow, leaning lazily against the wall."That's it? Just a verbal thank-you?"
Autumn blinked. "Are you expecting repayment?"
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling like a mischievous fox."So what if I am? You going to repay me?"
Autumn's lips curved slightly. "Lunch. You pick the place."
Luke's brows lifted in surprise—he hadn't expected her to agree so easily."In that case, no need to wait. How about today at noon? Cafeteria."
"Fine," Autumn said simply. Then she turned and left, graceful and composed.
Luke watched her go, the corner of his mouth lifting in quiet amusement.Suddenly, lunch seemed a lot more interesting.
Summer Lin, who had been watching the whole exchange, immediately stood up once Autumn returned to her seat."Do you want me to go with you to get your books from the Humanities Class?"