The day after the obstacle course, the corridors of St. Monarch's
International School felt different. Whispers and glances
followed Niya wherever she went. Students were still talking
about how she had completed the obstacle course flawlessly
while helping others along the way.
The Apex Four gathered near the lockers again, their expressions
a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"She's still calm," Aarav muttered, leaning casually. "Not scared,
not boastful… just… confident. I don't think I've ever met
anyone like her."
Veer smirked. "Yeah, but bold and confident can be annoying
too. I want to see if she can laugh at herself or if she's all
serious."
Kairo nodded. "I bet she has layers we don't know. Something
beneath all that calmness."
Soren, quiet as always, just observed, his eyes sharp and
calculating.
During lunch, Niya sat at a quiet corner, reading a book.
Suddenly, a small commotion started near the cafeteria steps—a
group of younger students arguing over a game. One student,
frustrated, threw a piece of paper at another.
Without a word, Niya walked over, calm and collected. "Hey,"
she said, pointing to the paper, "throwing things at each other
doesn't make you strong. It just makes you… messy. Try solving
your problem with words instead of throws. Works better, trust
me."
The students froze. Her tone was calm but firm, and her
presence made them listen. Slowly, they started discussing and
sorting the argument peacefully.
Veer, leaning against the wall, laughed. "She even fixes problems
without lifting a finger. This is ridiculous."
Aarav, crossing his arms, smirked. "Interesting. She's calm,
clever… fearless. I like it."
Kairo whispered, "She doesn't just speak… she makes people
listen. That's rare."
Soren stayed silent but observed every micro expression, noting
her calm influence on the crowd.
Later that day, the Apex Four decided to approach her again.
This time, they walked confidently to the courtyard where Niya
was sitting alone, reading.
Aarav started. "You're really something, Niya. The way you
handle everyone… impressive."
Niya looked up, her calm gaze meeting his. "Thank you. I just
think common sense is underrated. And a little calmness never
hurts."
Veer grinned. "You're bold, smart… fearless. But do you ever…
laugh at yourself?"
Niya smirked faintly. "Sometimes. But only when it's worth it."
Kairo chuckled. "Worth it, huh? Well, we'll try to be amusing
then."
Soren stayed back, silent, but his piercing gaze followed her. He
noted everything—the way she tilted her head, the small smirk,
the quiet confidence that made even the Apex Four pause.
That afternoon, a challenge came unexpectedly. During PE, a
few students started teasing a younger girl who had accidentally
spilled water on her shoes. The crowd laughed, thinking it would
be fun to watch the girl get embarrassed.
Niya didn't hesitate. Calmly, she stepped forward, handed the
girl a handkerchief, and spoke softly but firmly to the teasing
students. "Kindness doesn't make you weak. And mocking
someone over a small mistake only makes you… petty. Try
helping next time—it's more satisfying."
The students froze. Some apologized, others laughed
awkwardly. Niya simply nodded and walked away, calm as ever.
Veer muttered under his breath, "She's… perfect at handling
situations. Not scared, not angry, not pushy… she just… wins."
Aarav crossed his arms, a faint smirk on his lips. "Bold, smart,
fearless. Definitely… interesting."
Kairo whispered, "I think she's the type that everyone will
eventually admire… or fear."
Soren, still silent, just observed, his sharp gaze never leaving her.
By the end of the day, the Apex Four were more intrigued than
ever. Niya had shown intelligence, calmness, wit, and a presence
that demanded respect without force. Small seeds of trust and
mutual respect had begun to form, though none of them could
quite admit it yet.
For Niya, it was just another day proving that a calm mind and
clever words could conquer any challenge. For the Apex Four, it
was the beginning of something new—a challenge that would
test not just their strength, but their patience, curiosity, and
understanding of someone truly remarkable.