May 30th,8:00 AM — Class 1-D
The classroom was bathed in the soft morning light spilling through tall windows. Kairon sat rigidly at his desk, his golden eyes calm but alert. The quiet hum of students settling filled the air.
Aria slipped into the seat beside him, her footsteps light but determined.
"Thanks for yesterday," she said quietly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Kairon's expression didn't change. "No problem. Don't make a big deal out of it."
She glanced at him with a faint, half-smile. "I'm trying to be nice here. You could at least try the same."
His gaze sharpened just a little. "If you're trying, that just means you haven't tried enough. You're only nice to me because I helped you yesterday. So if I hadn't, you'd still be rude, isn't that right?"
Aria's cheeks flushed a light pink. "That… well, forget it."
A ripple of laughter echoed across the room. Ivy's voice rang clear, surrounded by a small group of friends.
"That's really nice!" Ivy said, a bright grin lighting up her face.
Aria's eyes flicked toward her. Cheerful, bubbly… but there's something about her I can't put my finger on. Something off.
Kairon shifted his gaze, scanning the room. His eyes caught Torin's for a moment—the same Torin who had shouted at Ivy on the bus. And now he's in 1-D too? Figures.
The classroom door opened quietly, and Elira stepped in. Her presence was calm but carried a quiet authority.
"Stand," Riven's voice cut through the chatter.
Almost instantly, the room rose.
"Good day," they said in unison, voices still sleepy but respectful.
Elira nodded, her eyes scanning the class briefly. "Good day. Today, we'll be covering a special topic."
---
As Elira began to teach, Kairon let his gaze wander, taking in the classroom.
Some students leaned forward, eager to listen.
Others whispered in corners or stared blankly at the ceiling.
A few tapped pens absentmindedly on desks.
Kairon's eyes found Elira's — but she wasn't fully focused either. Her gaze drifted to the window, watching something outside that no one else noticed.
Expected, he thought coldly. This is a famous academy. Teachers don't really care if you fail. They just teach. The failure's on the student. Lose points, drop down — it's your problem, not theirs.
The class dragged on. Kairon's expression remained unreadable as he observed the disinterest and murmurs, the restless tapping, the sidelong glances.
---
The bell finally rang, a sharp note cutting through the lingering silence.
An announcement boomed through the hallways: an assembly for all students.
Lines formed quickly as everyone moved toward the grand hall. The space buzzed with energy, conversations swirling like a storm.
Students sorted themselves by class, their voices blending into a single hum.
At the podium stood several student representatives — leaders, chosen by merit and influence.
Front and center was Aria's brother. His posture was straight, every movement deliberate.
Kairon's eyes narrowed. So he's the top dog of the academy huh?
Behind him, the others stood silently, their expressions calm but powerful.
Aria's brother cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"I am Kael Nyre," he announced, voice steady and commanding.
He gestured to the others.
"This is Cyrus Valehart."
The boy holding a thick black book stepped forward but said nothing.
Kael's eyes swept over the crowd before he continued, calling out the others' names without titles or explanations.
"Elis Renn. Vane Reddick. Selene Marlowe. Gorran Thorne."
His voice echoed through the hall, sharp and clear.
"Crimson Vale Academy is a place for the strong. No one here should fall behind."
He paused, eyes locking briefly with the students in Class 1-D.
"I believe those in Class 1-Dshould always remain there—to encourage the others not to drop out."
A ripple of murmurs rolled through the crowd, some shocked, others amused.
With a final nod, the assembly ended.
Students began moving out, conversations quickly restarting.
---
Aria was walking out when a sharp voice stopped her.
A young boy with messy yellow hair stepped in front, flanked by two girls.
A bronze medal gleamed from his coat pocket.
Class 1-C — Aria knew that at once.
"Why's a girl like you in Class 1-D?" he smirked, eyes glinting. "Beauty."
He reached forward, fingers brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, his breath warm.
"Come to my room tonight," he whispered. "Let's have some fun."
Aria jerked away, her eyes cold.
The boy laughed softly, a slow, dangerous smile spreading.
"Playing hard to get? I like that."
Nearby, Kairon passed silently, hands deep in his pockets.
His expression was unreadable, calm as stone.
---
Back in Class 1-D, Ivy was the center of attention, laughing and chatting with a cluster of students.
"Will you help me study?" Rika asked.
Ivy's smile was bright, genuine. "Of course! You're my friends."
Laughter bubbled up, filling the room with warmth.
Aria entered, waving at Ivy, but Ivy's smile faded as Aria didn't respond.
Ivy shrugged and waved again, undeterred.
Kairon, seated nearby, eyes closed, spoke quietly.
"That was cold. You could have at least answered."
Aria's voice was soft, almost defensive.
"I thought you didn't want to talk to me. Besides, she gives off a bad vibe. Cheerful with everyone, but not with me."
Kairon opened one eye, curious.
"Why's that?"
Aria looked away, uncertain.
"I don't know."
Kairon muttered to himself, voice low.
"Instinct often sees what the mind won't admit."
---
Later that night
The moon hung high in the sky, casting silver light over the quiet academy grounds.
Kairon walked alone, the soft crunch of his footsteps on gravel breaking the silence.
Suddenly, a sharp noise echoed—metal striking metal.
He moved toward the sound.
Near the edge of the grounds, Ivy was kicking a metal pole repeatedly, her breaths ragged with anger.
"Aria... how dare she!" Ivy spat, voice trembling. "Who does she think she is? Just some lowlife. I'll show her."
Her foot slammed into the pole again.
A rustle in the nearby bushes made her freeze.
"Who's there?" she demanded.
Kairon stepped into the moonlight, his calm face illuminated.
"Did you see all that?" Ivy asked, turning sharply.
"Yeah," Kairon said quietly.
She smiled, a dark gleam in her eyes. She stepped close, grabbing his hand and pressing it against her chest.
"Now your fingerprints are on my uniform," she whispered, voice low and dangerous. "If you tell anyone, I'll say you forced yourself on me. You'll be expelled."
Kairon's expression didn't shift.
"Is that a threat?" His voice was cold.
Ivy nodded firmly, attempting to pull his hand away.
He tightened his grip slightly.
"You just threatened me with false accusations," Kairon said slowly. "How do I know you won't use this to blackmail me later?"
His voice dropped to a near whisper.
"If I'm going to be accused, I'd better finish what I started."
He squeezed gently.
Ivy's eyes widened, then a slow smile crept over her lips.
She stepped back, backing away into the shadows.
"Good night, Kairon. See you in class tomorrow."
Her voice was light, almost mocking.
Kairon stayed still, the cool night air swirling around him.
He murmured to himself, "She switched from cold to nice. Which is the real Ivy?"