Saint Caelum University was less of a school and more of a runway for the rich and famous.
Luxury cars lined the entrance. Students wore designer uniforms that cost more than an average person's yearly salary. It was a place where reputation was everything.
And Elian Sterling's reputation was... garbage.
"Did you hear? The 'Clown' is coming back today."
"Ugh, really? I hope he doesn't scream at anyone today."
"I heard he was in the hospital. Maybe he learned some manners?"
The gossip mongers were gathered near the fountain, waiting for the show. They expected a neon-colored disaster to step out of a car and start chasing Gabriel Cross.
A sleek black sedan pulled up. The door opened.
The crowd held its breath, ready to laugh.
But the laughter never came.
First, a pair of clean white sneakers stepped onto the pavement. Then, a figure emerged, dressed in a soft powder-blue cardigan over a crisp white shirt and beige trousers.
The boy pushed his wind-blown black hair back, revealing a face that made the entire campus go silent.
Milky white skin. Delicate features. And those eyes... those stunning Violet Eyes that sparkled under the morning sun.
"Who... who is that?" a girl whispered, clutching her friend's arm.
"Is that a transfer student?"
"Wait... is that Elian?"
Elian adjusted his backpack, ignoring the stares burning into his skin. He put on his wireless earphones, signaling that he wanted to talk to absolutely no one.
Rule #3: Stay Invisible, he reminded himself. Just go to class. Don't look at anyone.
He started walking. The crowd parted for him like the Red Sea. They were too stunned to block his path.
"Elian!"
A high-pitched, overly sweet voice pierced through his music.
Elian stiffened. Oh no. Please, not her.
Running towards him was a beautiful girl with golden curls and big, innocent blue eyes. Serena Vance.
The novel's heroine. The "White Lotus" who pretended to be kind but secretly enjoyed seeing Elian humiliated.
She stopped in front of him, breathless. "Elian! You're finally back! I was so worried about you!"
She reached out to grab his hand.
In the past, Elian would have slapped her hand away and screamed, making himself look like a bully while she cried fake tears.
But this Elian was different.
He smoothly took a step back, dodging her touch.
"I'm fine, Serena," Elian said, his voice calm and indifferent. "Please excuse me. I'm late for class."
Serena froze. Her hand hovered in mid-air. She blinked, confused.
"But... aren't you going to look for Gabriel? He's by the lockers..."
Usually, mentioning Gabriel would make Elian run like a puppy.
Elian looked at her with his mesmerizing violet eyes. There was no jealousy in them. Only boredom.
"Why would I look for him?" Elian asked simply. "I'm here to study, not to chase people."
He didn't wait for her answer. He walked past her, leaving her standing there with her mouth open.
From the balcony above, Gabriel Cross watched the whole scene. He was leaning against the railing, waiting for Elian to come running to him as usual.
But Elian didn't even look up. He walked straight to the library building without a backward glance.
Gabriel frowned, a strange feeling of annoyance settling in his chest. Why didn't he look at me?
The Library
Elian exhaled loudly as he entered the quiet sanctuary of the library. The smell of old paper and coffee instantly calmed him down.
"Finally. Peace."
He walked to the Art History section. He needed a specific book for his essay.
He scanned the shelves. "Where is it... ah, there!"
The book, 'Renaissance Colors', was on the top shelf.
Elian stood on his tiptoes. He stretched his arm, his soft cardigan riding up slightly, but his fingers barely brushed the spine.
"Curse this short height," Elian grumbled. He prepared to jump.
Suddenly, a hand reached over his head.
A boy with messy brown hair and thick-rimmed glasses easily plucked the book from the shelf.
Elian turned around, startled.
The boy was tall, wearing a slightly wrinkled uniform and holding a stack of five other thick books. He looked like he hadn't slept in a week.
Liam. The Genius Scholar.
In the novel, Liam was a background character who became the most famous historian. He never cared about drama or money. He only loved books.
Liam held the book out to Elian. He didn't stare at Elian's violet eyes with shock. He didn't look at his face with lust. He just looked at the book title.
"Good choice," Liam said, his voice raspy. "Chapter 4 has a great analysis of purple pigments. Might be useful for you."
Elian blinked. This was the first person who treated him like a normal human being.
A genuine smile bloomed on Elian's face—a smile so bright it could rival the sun.
"Thank you," Elian said, taking the book.
"I'm Elian."
Liam pushed his glasses up his nose. "I know. The 'Clown', right?"
Elian winced.
Liam shrugged. "You don't look like a clown today. You look like you actually read books. I'm Liam."
"Nice to meet you, Liam," Elian beamed.
"Do you... want to sit together? I promise I won't talk."
Liam looked at Elian's hopeful violet eyes. He sighed. "Fine. But if you make noise, I'll kick you out."
"Deal."
And just like that, Elian made his first friend.
Sitting in the quiet corner of the library, reading beside a genius who didn't care about his reputation, Elian felt happy.
Take that, novel plot, Elian thought triumphantly. I'm doing just fine.