The morning sun reflected off the polished floors of the university hall as Aria walked with her books clutched to her chest. Today, something felt different—an electric tension lingered in the air.
She spotted her rival girl across the hall, whispering with a group of students. Their smirks made Aria's pulse quicken, but she kept her calm.
Time to show them I'm not someone to mess with, she thought.
During the first lecture, the rival girl tried a subtle tactic—spilling a little ink from her pen near Aria's desk, hoping to ruin her notes. Aria noticed immediately and dodged gracefully, letting the ink stain only the edge of the paper.
A small grin tugged at her lips. Nice try.
Across the room, Lucien's eyes narrowed. He caught the rival's glance and subtly leaned closer to Aria, whispering:
"You handled that well."
Aria felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I have to, don't I?"
He didn't reply immediately. Instead, he brushed a strand of her purple-streaked hair behind her ear—a simple, delicate gesture that made her heart race.
His fingers… she thought, he's so careful, yet so close.
After class, Aria headed to the courtyard. Her phone buzzed with a group message from The Eight Stars:
[Member1]: Queen Aria, did Lucien notice the rival girl's little stunt?
[Member2]: We'll help you handle her if needed!
Aria smiled, replying:
I'm fine. Don't worry. I can handle school… mostly.
Just as she typed, she felt a presence behind her. Lucien stepped closer, leaning against the railing, his gaze fixed on her.
"You're handling everything remarkably well," he said softly. "Not many could."
Aria swallowed, her heart fluttering. "Thanks… I guess it's easier when you know you have someone watching your back."
His lips curved in a subtle smirk. "Someone like me?"
"Yes," she whispered, almost without thinking.
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause. Lucien's eyes softened, and he took a small step closer. "You're… fascinating," he murmured, low and intense.
Aria felt her pulse racing. She wanted to say something—anything—but words failed her. Instead, she simply nodded, letting the moment speak for itself.
That evening, Aria returned to rehearsal. Her group immediately noticed her slightly distracted expression.
"Hmm… someone at school catching your attention?" one teased.
Aria rolled her eyes, laughing. "Maybe a little."
Her friends chuckled knowingly. "Queen Aria, don't worry. We've got your back with school and stage. Nobody messes with our idol princess."
She smiled, feeling warm inside. Between her friends, school challenges, and Lucien, her life was chaotic but thrilling.
This is only the beginning, she thought. School, rivalry, and love… it's all coming together in ways I never expected.