"Yes… yes," she replied excitedly, her eyes shining with admiration. She couldn't believe she was talking to Hazel—the school's queen beauty. Seeing her this close only confirmed it… Hazel was a natural beauty.
"T-thanks f-for saving m-me," she stammered.
"You're welcome," Hazel said gently. "Just stay away from Amber, okay?"
"O-okay…"
"We'll be leaving now. Bye, take care."
"Bye!"
Hazel and Dior walked away, heading toward their class.
—
As they entered the hall, all eyes turned to them. Whispers spread like wildfire. Dior casually pulled out her phone, snapping pictures—one with Hazel, one of herself, and one of Hazel alone.
"Perfect," Dior said, quickly sending them.
Hazel checked her phone and posted the photos immediately. Then she scrolled through her previous post.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Three million likes… and the video has ten million views…"
A small smile crept onto her lips.
I'm already progressing…
She refreshed her profile.
"Babe… it's already 7 million followers!" Hazel said, showing Dior.
Dior gasped, then checked hers. "Wow! Mine is already 6 million!"
They quickly checked Vorden's account.
"Five million," Hazel said, impressed.
Vorden had also posted their group photo. He usually shared cooking videos—his dream of becoming a chef slowly gaining attention.
Before they could say more, the lecturer walked in. Phones disappeared instantly as the class began.
—
Two hours later, the bell rang for lunch.
Hazel grabbed her food and joined Dior and Vorden at their usual spot. They chatted casually, laughing here and there, trying to forget the tension of their growing fame.
Soon, it was time for their next classes.
—
An hour later…
Classes were over.
Hazel and Dior met Vorden at the gate.
"I'll see you tomorrow then," Vorden said, pulling them into a quick hug.
"Tomorrow," they replied together.
Hazel and Dior waved as he left, then headed for their music class.
—
Inside the studio, students took their seats.
Moments later, Lydia walked in.
"Good day, everyone. Today, we're doing a vocal relay. When I call your rank, you start singing. If I call another rank, they continue from where you stopped. Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
She turned to the screen.
"You'll be singing Faded by Alan Walker. Rank 1, start."
Dior stood confidently.
🎵 *You were the shadow to my light… did you feel us?
Another star… you fade away…
Afraid our aim is out of sight…
🎵 Wanna see us… alight…
"Rank 2, Cherry."
Cherry stood up gracefully, her voice smooth and powerful.
🎵 Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Was it all in my fantasy?
Where are you now?
Were you only imaginary?
"Rank 10, Hazel."
Hazel took a breath and stood. Even though she wasn't among the top vocalists, her voice carried a unique softness that drew attention.
🎵 Where are you now?
Atlantis…
Under the sea… under the sea…
Another dream…
The monster's running wild inside of me…
"Rank 11, Kaden."
Kaden smirked slightly before delivering his part with emotion.
🎵 I'm faded…
I'm faded…
So lost, I'm faded…
I'm faded…
So lost, I'm faded…
"Good," Lydia said, nodding. "That will be all for today."
A wave of relief spread across the room.
"Hmm… we're finally done," Dior said, stretching her arms.
"I'll be going now. I have a photoshoot today. See you, and good luck!" she added, waving as she left to catch a taxi.
Hazel sighed softly and checked her phone.
"No babysitting jobs today…" she muttered.
Just then—
A sleek black car pulled up in front of her.
Hazel froze.
A guard stepped out and opened the door for her.
She hesitated… but slowly got in.
—
Inside the car…
"I really missed you, love," Liam's deep voice filled the space. "So… your answer?"
Straight to the point.
Hazel swallowed but gathered her courage.
"No… I'm not going to marry you."
Silence.
"But…" she continued quickly, "I can date you."
Liam's eyes narrowed slightly, watching her closely.
"I want to be your girlfriend first. I'm not ready for marriage. I still have school, my music, my dreams… I want to have fun with my friends. I really appreciate what you did for me, but I want to take things slowly."
He didn't interrupt her.
He already expected resistance.
"I don't even know anything about dating," she admitted softly. "If I date you… you'll be my first boyfriend."
For a split second—
Something changed in his expression.
Her first…
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Then I'll make sure you never forget it," he thought.
Out loud, he said calmly, "If that's what you want… then fine."
Hazel blinked in surprise.
"From today onward… you are my girlfriend."
Her heart skipped.
"But," he added, his tone turning firm, "you will follow my rules."
Hazel's fingers tightened on her bag.
"What rules?"
Liam leaned slightly closer, his presence overwhelming.