The arrival of Ethan Mitchell had definitely changed the atmosphere of Class 9-A.
Girls were curious.
Boys were competitive.
Teachers were impressed.
But Anna?
Anna's heart hadn't moved even an inch.
She still liked Oliver.
Even when Ethan smiled politely.
Even when he asked for her notes.
Even when her friends teased her about the "new topper duo."
It was still Oliver.
During maths class, Ethan leaned slightly toward Anna.
"Can you explain this step?" he asked softly.
Before Anna could answer, Oliver spoke from behind.
"She'll explain after class."
His tone was normal.
But Anna felt it.
That tiny edge.
That tiny spark.
Jealousy.
She didn't turn around immediately. She didn't want to make it obvious.
After class, Anna walked up to Oliver.
"You didn't have to answer for me," she said gently.
Oliver shrugged. "I didn't want him distracting you."
"And why does that bother you?" she asked quietly.
For a second, Oliver didn't answer.
His jaw tightened slightly.
"It doesn't," he said. "Just focus on studies."
But Anna saw it.
The way he avoided eye contact.
The way his voice lowered.
He cared.
Maybe more than he admitted.
That evening, Anna sat by her window, thinking.
Ethan was nice.
But Oliver was different.
Oliver understood her silence.
He noticed when she was upset.
He helped her during exams without saying much.
Her feelings were clear.
No new student could change that.
Not yet.
And maybe…
Oliver was starting to realize it too. 💛