The next morning, the air at Rosehill Academy felt electric. Even before Hana set foot on campus, the rumors from yesterday had spread like wildfire. By the time she passed through the school gates, dozens of students were already whispering, pointing, some filming with their phones.
"She's with Kai Reyes now!"
"Did you see the way he was looking at her yesterday?"
"Adrian Park looked like he was about to explode!"
Hana clutched her backpack tighter, forcing herself to walk with a steady pace. Her heart thumped painfully in her chest. This is insane. Everyone is staring. I just… I just want to survive the day.
Then she felt it a presence beside her, calm and protective.
Kai Reyes.
"Good morning, school belle," he said casually, smirking as if the world belonged to him. His dark hair fell slightly over his eyes, but his gaze never left her face. "Ready for another fun day of gossip and chaos?"
Hana let out a nervous laugh. "I… I guess."
"You guess?" he teased, nudging her shoulder lightly. The touch sent an electric thrill up her arm. She swallowed, forcing herself to act normal.
Kai's smirk softened slightly. "Relax. Let them talk. We know the truth, don't we?"
Her heart fluttered. The truth being with him, standing beside him, the subtle, protective closeness felt dangerous, thrilling, and completely intoxicating all at once.
They entered the building together, a subtle signal to anyone paying attention. A ripple of whispers spread through the hallways. Hana could feel eyes on them, the weight of curiosity and envy pressing down like invisible hands.
"Looks like half the school is already planning who's going to interview us for the next gossip blog," Kai murmured, voice low, teasing.
Hana bit her lip, trying to hide a blush. "I… I just want to get through the day."
Kai leaned closer, just enough that she felt his warmth. "We will. And I'll make sure nobody makes it unpleasant."
She glanced around the crowded hall, catching glimpses of familiar faces. Friends tried to wave, but there was a hesitation, a careful calculation in every gesture. Classmates whispered behind their hands, phones raised, screens already recording. She realized how quickly a single rumor had evolved into a full-blown spectacle.
And somewhere, across the hallway, he was watching.
Adrian Park.
His golden hair caught the light as he leaned against a locker, eyes narrowing at the sight of Kai and Hana walking side by side. Hands in pockets, jaw tight, his usual calm perfection barely holding back a storm.
Hana felt a pang of unease in her chest. Why does he still have such a strong hold over me… even after everything Kai's done?
Kai's hand brushed hers subtly, grounding her. "Don't worry about him," he whispered, dark eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "He's predictable. You're not."
Her pulse skipped. Not predictable… And neither am I… The thought echoed in her mind as she tried to focus on her classes.
The morning passed in a blur of lectures, textbooks, and whispered gossip. Every time Hana glanced at Kai, he seemed calm, teasing, almost untouchable. But each glance carried a subtle intensity, a silent promise that he would not let anyone Adrian included mess with her.
During lunch, they found a quiet spot near the back of the courtyard, away from the main throngs of students. Kai leaned back on the bench, smirk tugging at his lips, arms stretched across the backrest.
"You know, the way Adrian Park looks at you… it's kind of amusing," he said casually. "Like he's trying to decide if he should explode or cry. I can't tell which one he'll do first."
Hana laughed nervously, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "He… he's always like that. Everyone expects him to get what he wants."
Kai tilted his head, dark eyes glinting. "Maybe. But I don't do expectations. I do actions."
Her stomach twisted at the words. Actions… like what? she wondered, heart racing.
He leaned closer, voice dropping to a low murmur. "Like making sure nobody pushes you around, not even him."
Her cheeks flushed. "I… I don't know if I should be flattered or terrified."
"Both," he said, smirk widening. "That's the point."
The afternoon classes dragged on, but Hana found herself distracted, constantly aware of Kai's presence. Every small touch a brush of hands, a tilt of his head toward her sent shivers down her spine. Even a glance from him made her heart race.
And all the while, Adrian watched.
He lingered near the library after classes, pretending to study while actually tracking her movements. Every laugh, every whispered conversation, every subtle interaction with Kai was noted, cataloged, and stored in his mind. Golden boy perfection masked his simmering frustration. Hana had no idea how close she was to the perfect storm Adrian was quietly building.
By the time the final bell rang, Hana's nerves were frayed. She knew the rumors would continue to spread. She knew Adrian would plan something whatever it took to reclaim what he believed was his. And she knew Kai would be by her side, teasing, protective, dangerous, and completely irresistible.
As they walked toward the gates, Kai nudged her gently, smirk playing on his lips. "You look like you've had enough excitement for one day."
Hana smiled weakly. "I… I think so."
He leaned closer, dark eyes locking on hers. "Good. Because tomorrow, we're going to shake things up a little more."
Her pulse quickened. "Shake things up? How?"
Kai's smirk deepened, almost mischievous, almost predatory. "You'll see. But don't worry I've got everything under control."
Hana felt a thrill she couldn't explain. Dangerous, thrilling, exciting and terrifying all at once.
And somewhere across the street, under the shadow of the big oak tree near the school gates, Adrian Park's golden eyes gleamed with quiet fury. He was already planning his next move. Every interaction Hana had with Kai was being noted, every laugh cataloged. Adrian's mind churned, a storm of schemes, strategies, and calculated risks forming. He wouldn't let her slip away no matter how chaotic or dangerous Kai Reyes was.
Hana's bus pulled up, and she climbed aboard, heart pounding. Kai followed, leaning against the railing near her with that smirk that made her pulse race. The city lights reflected in the bus windows, flickering like sparks. She realized she was teetering on the edge of something she couldn't control, something thrilling, dangerous, and entirely irresistible.
Kai leaned slightly closer, voice a low murmur. "Get ready. The next few days are going to be… unforgettable."
Hana swallowed, chest tight. Unforgettable… she thought. Dangerous… thrilling… and maybe even… mine?
And as the bus pulled away from Rosehill Academy, the city lights stretched across the streets, illuminating the start of something she couldn't escape, but I know that life is not a bed of roses but I know that nothing will keep me down for too long.