As Klaus saw Serin, the world around him tilted. It felt as though something invisible reached out and pulled him toward her, tightening around his chest. His breath caught without him realizing it.
Matt nudged him hard in the ribs.
"Bro," he whispered. "Stop staring."
Klaus blinked, snapping out of his trance.
"You know her?" Matt asked, eyes still fixed forward.
"I… I feel like I've met her before," Klaus said slowly, uncertain.
"Really? Where?" Matt pressed.
"Something like that," Klaus replied, forcing a casual tone.
Serin sat at the front of the class, perfectly composed. When Klaus dared to steal another glance, their eyes met—violet and crimson locking together.
Then came the shock.
She smiled.
Not only that—she lifted her hand and gave him a small, deliberate wave.
The classroom stirred. Whispers broke out. A few students stared openly, stunned by the attention she had just given him.
Something clicked violently in Klaus's mind.
I've seen her before.
In my dreams.
Before he could process it further, the classroom door opened and their economics teacher walked in. Mr. Desmond—one of the most irritating teachers in the school—set his books down and immediately began scribbling on the board.
Klaus didn't listen to a single word.
His eyes kept drifting back to Serin.
Matt leaned closer. "I thought you said you don't know her."
"I don't," Klaus replied quickly.
"But she smiled and waved at you," Matt said, giving him a sharp look. "So explain."
"I swear, I don't know where I've met her," Klaus said, lying through his teeth. How could he possibly explain that he had only seen her in his dreams?
As the lesson dragged on, Klaus kept stealing glances at her. Every time she shifted in her seat, every time her hair brushed her shoulder, it sent a strange heat through him—something between desire and fear.
Finally, the bell rang.
Students filed out of the classroom, voices filling the hallway.
"Aren't you coming?" Matt asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"No," Klaus said. "I've got something to do."
Matt smirked knowingly. "Good luck."
And then he was gone.
The room fell quiet.
It was just Klaus and Serin now.
Damn, he thought. I've never talked to a woman like this before… except Olivia.
He inhaled deeply, steadying himself, then stood and walked toward her. His legs felt heavier with every step. When he reached her desk, he stopped and extended his hand.
"I'm Klaus."
Serin looked up at him, her crimson eyes glowing with quiet amusement. She took his hand, her touch warm—electric.
"I'm Serin," she said softly.
His pulse spiked.
"Do you… want to grab a bite?" he asked. "Or maybe I could show you around the school."
She paused, studying him for a moment longer than necessary.
"Okay," she said. "Show me around."
Klaus smiled to himself.
They walked through the halls together, and everywhere they went, eyes followed them. Whispers spread. Some students stared in envy, others in disbelief.
"So," Klaus said, trying to sound calm, "where are you from? You don't really look like you're from around here."
"I am," Serin replied. "My family lives here. I was sent abroad for a while. My father recently called me back."
"Oh," Klaus said, nodding.
He hesitated, then met her gaze again. Her crimson eyes held him effortlessly.
"There's a party later tonight," he said, smiling nervously. "If you're free… would you want to come with me?"
She tilted her head slightly, lips curving into a slow smile.
"Okay," she said. "He's fine."
"Really?" Klaus asked, a spark lighting his eyes.
"Yes," she replied calmly. "I'll go."
Klaus swallowed. "Then I'll come pick you up."
Serin's smile lingered just a second longer than it should have—dark, knowing, unreadable.