Author's Note:
Hey readers! 👋 I realized I forgot to include the Prologue when the story first started. Don't worry — it's now added in the Auxiliary Volume as "The Smile Before the Storm." I am sorry for inconvenience things!.
It gives a glimpse into Elina's world before the main story begins — her quiet thoughts, her first brush with curiosity, and a hint of the mysterious events to come.
If you want the full experience, I highly recommend reading it before diving into Chapter 1. Happy reading! ✨
---Chapter One
Title: The Bench Chronicles – Chaos, Crushes, and Classroom Drama
⛅
Sunlight spilled through the half-open classroom windows, glinting off dusty floors and scattering across the desks. The chatter of students bounced off the walls—laughter, whispers, the occasional sneeze.
A gentle breeze fluttered the curtains, teasing Elina's hair and making the pages of her notebook dance.
Elina (muttering): "Great… another normal school morning."
She glanced at Amara.
Elina: "Hey, you'll be back in two minutes, right?"
Amara smiled innocently.
Amara: "Yeah, yeah… just a sec!"
Fifteen minutes later, Amara was gone again, laughing with her other friends.
Elina (under her breath): "Typical Amara… I run after her like I'm auditioning for 'Best BFF Ever,' and yet, making friends is like rocket science. Seriously, God, not cool!"
Elina sighed and rested her forehead on the desk.
Elina: "Why do I even try?"
She'd never had a real best friend before Amara. On the first day of school, Elina had watched everyone pair off, whispering secrets, sharing snacks. And herself? She just… existed. When Amara finally let her in, Elina thought she'd finally found someone she could count on.
Elina (thinking): Or maybe I'm the only one who thought so…
The homeroom teacher entered, clipboard in hand.
Teacher: "Alright, everyone. Olympics exam forms! If anyone Interested? Submit to Lucas."
Immediately, chaos broke loose. Papers flew, boys shouted, desks screeched. And, of course, leading the chaos—Draven.
The teacher drops a stack of forms on the front desk.
Immediately, Draven and his friends grab them.
Lucas: "Alright, distribute these properly!"
Draven: "Properly? When have we ever done anything properly?!"
The class bursts into laughter. Papers fly, chairs screech, and Draven turns it into his personal circus.
A soft breeze slips through the open window, fluttering my hair and the curtains.
Me (muttering): "Even the wind's mocking me now…"
Draven strolls over, smirk on his face, a stack of forms in hand.
Draven: "Here, catch!"
He stretches his hand toward me.
I smile—fake, polite, practiced. "Thanks—"
But before I can even blink, he pulls it back and hands it to the girl behind me.
I freeze mid-air, hand still raised.
Me (stunned whisper): "What the—?!"
Inside my head: What the heck is wrong with this bastard dog?!
He keeps walking, laughing with his friends, tossing more papers.
Draven (snickering): "Careful, don't drop them! Oh wait, you're too perfect for that!"
Lyric: "You're such an idiot, Draven!"
I grit my teeth, forcing myself not to throw my pen at his head.
Me (low, irritated voice): "Unbelievable…! First, a bad morning, and now this brainless buffalo ,he idiot ,he dirty dog ughh! acting up again ."
He walks past my bench—again!—still pretending I don't exist.
Me (muttering, half to myself): "Does he even know what 'gentleman' means? Ugh… probably not!"
Then, from across the room, Lyric—kind, tall, and, thank God, sane—raises his hand.
Lyric: "Hey, she didn't get one yet!"
He walks over and hands me a form, smiling like an actual human being.
Lyric: "Here. You should have one too."
Me (grateful smile): "Thanks, Lyric! You're the best."
Inside my head: Ahh~ my pretty, handsome brother, you are the best boy!
He laughs softly and walks away. I look at Draven again—still grinning, still loud.
Me (exasperated sigh): "Disgusting lunatic…"
I drop the form on my desk and lean back, whispering to myself.
"This bench has seen it all… anger, frustration, admiration… and now pure emotional damage."
Elina leaned back in her chair, staring at the sunlight fading across the desk.
Elina (muttering): "Anger, chaos, admiration… all in one morning. Great."
She watched a dust mote float lazily in the golden light, as if even the air was mocking her.
Elina (thinking): Tomorrow… I'll survive this madness. Maybe.