Dena was mid-sentence — something about cute seniors — when a voice echoed from behind them.
Elena had took off her cardigan and was carrying it in her bag
"Wow. So this is where you've been hiding."
Elina froze.
Dena stopped walking.
That voice. The one they Heard a while ago
It wasn't loud. It didn't need to be.
Slowly, they turned.
At first, all they saw was a small crowd parting slightly, whispers spreading like quiet electricity. A few girls exchanged looks. Someone muttered a name under their breath.
And then they saw her.
Emory Starkov.
Standing there like she owned the oxygen around her.
Her expression? Half amused. Half challenging.
Dena leaned closer to Elina. "Tell me that's not who I think it is."
Elina exhaled. "It is."
Emory walked forward casually, brushing past a few students who moved without being told to. "First day and you're already ignoring me? That's not very best-friend behavior."
"We're not best friends," Elina replied flatly.
Emory placed a hand dramatically over her heart. "Ouch. You wound me."
A few students were openly watching now.
This was exactly the kind of scene Elina didn't want.
Emory tilted her head. "So? Nervous? I heard this year's going to be… intense. I'd hate for you to embarrass yourself."
Dena shifted uncomfortably.
Elina, however, stepped forward.
Her voice lowered — calm, controlled.
"Emory."
The playful smirk on Emory's face faltered just slightly.
"If you came here to perform," Elina continued smoothly, "try the drama club. I'm sure they're accepting applications."
A few quiet snickers came from the crowd.
Emory's jaw tightened.
"And if you're here to warn me?" Elina added, meeting her eyes without blinking. "Don't. I don't need saving. Especially not from you."
Silence.
The tension was sharp enough to cut.
For a second, it looked like Emory might fire back.
Instead, she smiled — but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"You've gotten bold," she said softly. "Let's see how long that lasts."
Then she turned, walking away as the crowd slowly dissolved into whispers.
Dena stared at Elina. "You just shut her down. In front of everyone."
Elina watched Emory disappear into the crowd.
"Someone had to."
But deep down, she knew something.
When Emory Starkov showed up uninvited…
It was never just for fun.