Elijah Carter adjusted his glasses for the third time that morning, clutching his well-worn copy of The Great Gatsby like it was armor. He moved through the halls of St. Augustine's like a ghost, unseen, unheard, and untouched by the drama that clung to the school's golden elite like designer cologne.
While others chased popularity, Elijah chased scholarships. Top grades. Perfect attendance. No distractions. That was the deal.
Until the principal called his name.
"Elijah Carter, report to the office. Now."
A few snickers followed him down the hall. He ignored them like always, shoulders straight, face unreadable. But inside? Nerves tightened like a noose. He never got in trouble.
The moment he stepped in, he noticed her.
Brielle Kingsley, sprawled across the leather chair like she ruled the world. She didn't even glance at him, too busy tapping her long, sparkly nails against her phone.
"Elijah," the principal said. "Meet your new tutoring assignment."
His brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"
"You'll help Brielle get her grades up. Twice a week. No exceptions."
Brielle finally looked up. Their eyes met, his calm brown, her stormy green.
She smirked. "So, this is my academic savior? Cute."
Elijah blinked. Did she just… flirt with him?
"I don't think I'm the right fit," he said quickly.
"Oh, but you are," the principal cut in. "Refuse, and you can kiss your scholarship goodbye."
He felt the air leave his lungs.
Brielle rose to her feet, stepping closer. "Looks like we're stuck with each other, Book Boy."
Elijah swallowed hard.
He came to this school to escape chaos.
And now? He was about to tutor it.
What was the worst that could happen?