The moment Hana stepped into her classroom at Rosehill Academy, the air seemed to shift. The chatter that had once hummed like a soft background noise suddenly became deafening. Every eye in the room turned toward her as if she were some exotic creature that had wandered into their midst.
"She's with Kai Reyes?"
"I can't believe it! After all this time with Adrian!"
"Did you see them in the hallway?"
Her stomach knotted. Her fingers trembled slightly as she carried her backpack to her seat. She tried to focus on keeping her head down, pretending she didn't hear the whispers. But even as she tried to blend in with the crowded classroom, the words clung to her like sticky cobwebs.
It's not real. It can't be real. I didn't choose this… she thought, gripping her bag tighter.
Then, the sound of a textbook hitting her desk broke through her thoughts. Her head shot up, and she froze.
Kai Reyes.
He leaned casually against her desk, one hand resting on the edge, dark eyes scanning her as if he were evaluating every nuance of her reaction. His presence swallowed the room whole; even the teacher paused mid-sentence.
"You okay?" he asked, voice low, smooth, and teasing, but with an undercurrent of seriousness.
Hana's heartbeat skipped. "I… I think so. Thanks… for stepping in," she whispered, unsure if the words even made sense.
Kai shrugged, his smirk playful yet protective. "Told you. I don't like people throwing you around."
Her cheeks warmed, and a strange flutter hit her stomach. Why do I feel… excited? she wondered. Why does it feel like I'm supposed to be flustered around him?
Before she could gather her thoughts, the classroom door slammed open.
Adrian Park.
Golden hair catching the fluorescent light, blazer slightly wrinkled, jaw set tight. The air seemed to bend around him, commanding attention without even trying. His eyes, piercing and intense, locked on her immediately.
The entire class went silent. Even the teacher, Mrs. Caldwell, froze mid-sentence, sensing the storm brewing.
"Can I speak to you?" Adrian asked, voice quiet but sharp enough to slice through the tension.
Hana's stomach twisted. Kai's presence beside her felt grounding safe yet Adrian's gaze pulled her heart in another direction, tugging at something she didn't fully understand.
"He's here," she whispered under her breath, almost to herself.
Kai's eyes flicked toward Adrian. "I see him," he said casually, but his hand brushed hers lightly under the desk,a subtle, protective gesture.
Adrian ignored the warning. He stepped closer, his gaze locked on Hana. "This is between us," he said, jaw tight, voice trembling slightly but filled with authority.
"Was," Kai interrupted lazily, leaning slightly toward Adrian, smirk curling his lips.
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "You think you can just claim her?"
Kai straightened, grin widening with a hint of danger. "You didn't."
Whispers erupted across the classroom again. Phones clicked. Students leaned forward, trying to capture the scene on video. The gossip had already begun spreading like wildfire.
Hana felt light-headed. Her pulse raced painfully, and her thoughts spun. Why does my chest feel like it's being pulled in two directions?
"Is this really what you want?" Adrian asked again, softer this time, vulnerability flickering behind his anger.
Hana opened her mouth, but no words came. Her throat felt tight, constricted. The only sound was her heartbeat pounding against her ribs.
Kai leaned closer, voice low and smooth, brushing her ear with his words. "You're not alone. Don't let him push you around."
Her pulse jumped. Not alone… The words reverberated in her chest, stirring something dangerous and thrilling inside her.
Adrian's fists flexed at his sides. "You're choosing him?" His tone was quiet but heavy, filled with frustration and hurt.
Hana's chest tightened painfully. I didn't choose anyone… she thought frantically. I just… I just want to survive this.
Kai's smirk softened ever so slightly. "Looks like I already did," he murmured.
The bell rang, slicing through the tension. Students slowly began packing up, but all eyes remained fixed on the trio. Whispers and gossip passed from group to group like wildfire.
Hana walked to her next class, Kai falling into step beside her. Hands in his pockets, casual, unreadable, yet his presence was undeniable.
"You know everyone saw," she whispered. "They're going to talk about it for days… weeks."
He tilted his head, smirk tugging at his lips. "Let them. I don't care what they think."
"But Adrian" she started, worry creeping back in.
"Don't think about him," Kai interrupted firmly. "Golden boy or not, he's not your problem. I am."
Her stomach fluttered, and she felt a strange warmth spread through her chest. I… I don't know how to feel about him…
By the time they reached the courtyard, the gossip had already escalated. Groups of students clustered near benches, phones out, whispering like conspirators.
"She's really with Kai Reyes!"
"Did you see them in class?"
"Adrian looked furious…"
"She's lucky… or crazy!"
Hana ducked her head, wishing for invisibility. Why does it feel thrilling to have everyone staring at me?
Kai noticed her discomfort. His dark eyes softened, and he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "Ignore them," he murmured. "You're not theirs."
Her pulse raced at the touch. "I… I don't even know what to say…"
"Then don't," he said smoothly, smirk teasing. "Actions speak louder than words anyway."
She nearly laughed at his confidence. Nearly.
Then, across the courtyard, she saw him. Adrian. Hands in his pockets, standing under a tree, watching them. His gaze was sharp, calculating, filled with that perfect mix of hurt and determination.
She shivered, realizing nothing would ever be simple again.
Kai squeezed her hand lightly, grounding her, his voice a low whisper. "Relax. I've got you."
Her heart raced. Got me? Or is this just the beginning?
"Yes," she whispered, more to herself than to him.
Kai's smirk deepened. "Good. Because we're just getting started."
The wind picked up, carrying the whispers and gossip throughout Rosehill Academy. The courtyard seemed to hum with tension, every student now aware that the school belle had a new story—and it was far more dangerous than anyone had anticipated.
And somewhere, under a distant tree, Adrian Park's fists tightened. His mind already scheming. His jaw set. This was far from over.
Hana swallowed hard, heart pounding. The rumors, the tension, the dangerous pull of Kai… everything was spiraling out of control.