The next morning, the campus was buzzing again. Aria Vale had already become the topic of every whisper, every curious glance.
She adjusted her bag and walked toward the lecture hall, keeping her calm, confident stride. Even after yesterday's attention, she didn't feel nervous—just… ready.
As she passed the courtyard, a group of students waved at her.
"Hey, new transfer!" one of them called. "You coming to the cafeteria?"
Aria smiled politely. "Maybe later."
Her steps slowed slightly when she saw him—Lucien Cross, leaning casually against a column, eyes hidden behind sunglasses.
He noticed her looking and removed them slowly, giving her a glance that made her chest skip a beat.
"You're early," he said quietly as she approached.
"I like to be on time," Aria replied, keeping her tone even.
He tilted his head, studying her for a moment. "I can tell you don't care what anyone thinks."
"Caring is exhausting," she said softly, echoing yesterday's words.
Lucien smirked, the kind that wasn't really a smile but made her notice how sharp he was. "I like that."
The classroom was chaotic as usual. Students were teasing each other, throwing paper, and whispering under their breath.
Aria walked to her desk beside Lucien. He was already sitting there, looking as unapproachable as ever—but his eyes softened the moment she sat down.
"Don't let them bother you," he said in a low voice.
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Who, them?"
"The ones who think they can push you around. They don't know what's coming."
She felt a warmth in her chest. Protective, quiet, and intense—that was Lucien. She couldn't deny that she was curious about him, despite his cold reputation.
After the first lecture, Aria headed to the cafeteria, where she saw a cluster of girls pointing at her.
One of them, clearly the leader, strutted toward her. "So… you're the transfer student everyone's talking about. Sitting next to Cross, huh? Bold."
Aria smiled faintly. "He asked me to sit here. I didn't choose."
The girl's eyes narrowed. "You think you can just walk in here and take what's mine?"
Before Aria could respond, a shadow fell over them.
Lucien.
"She's with me," he said, sharp and calm.
The girl froze. "Uh… okay." She walked away, muttering under her breath.
Aria blinked at him. "You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to," he said simply.
Later that day, Aria returned to her dorm room. She closed the door and sighed.
Her phone vibrated. A message from her group:
[Aria] How's the first day at the new school?
[Member1] Don't tell me you're already getting into trouble!
[Member2] We miss you! Come back to rehearsal soon!
Aria smiled. Even though she loved the attention from school, her group was her home. The eight of them had grown close, teasing and supporting each other like a family.
No matter how many people watch me at school, she thought, they'll never know my real life.
A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts.
"Room 204?" a cheerful voice asked.
Aria opened it to see a girl with a bright smile. "Hi! I'm your dorm neighbor, Lila. I heard about the new transfer… thought I'd say hello."
"Nice to meet you," Aria said, smiling genuinely.
As they talked, Aria felt something she hadn't felt since arriving—normalcy. A connection that didn't involve wealth, fame, or competition.
And somewhere in the back of her mind, she thought about Lucien, waiting for her next class.
This school isn't going to be boring… and neither is he.