Adrien

The first day of the new semester at Aurelia Academy always felt more like a fashion show than a school day.The halls were filled with the children of billionaires, politicians, celebrities, and old-money families who had known each other for generations. Everyone already knew everyone. Everyone already had a reputation.And then there was him.Adrian Vale—heir to one of the most powerful families in the country, effortlessly arrogant, impossibly popular, and the person you hated most.Your families had been close for years. Family dinners, charity galas, summer trips—you had practically grown up together.Which was unfortunate, because you and Adrian couldn’t stand each other.
“Stay away from me,” you muttered as you passed him in the corridor.He gave you an amused smile. “Trust me, that’s the easiest thing you’ve ever asked me to do.”You rolled your eyes and kept walking.Everyone at school knew the two of you were enemies.What nobody understood was why Adrian seemed to notice everything you did.Especially today.His girlfriend, Victoria, was hanging onto his arm like usual, constantly fixing his collar, kissing his cheek, demanding his attention. She was beautiful, rich, popular.Adrian barely seemed interested.Until he saw you across the courtyard.You were laughing with another guy from your class, completely ignoring him.Adrian’s expression immediately hardened.Victoria continued talking, but he wasn’t listening anymore.“Why are you staring at her?” she asked suspiciously.-“I’m not.”-“You obviously are.”Adrian looked away.“I hate her,” he said coldly.He said it so often that everyone believed.Later that afternoon, you walked into an empty classroom and found Adrian already there, leaning against the desk.He looked up.“Of course it’s you.”
You crossed your arms. “Unfortunately.”His eyes narrowed.“You were getting pretty friendly with that guy earlier.”You raised an eyebrow. “Why do you care?”“I don’t,”
“Then stop acting like you do.”
For a moment, neither of you spoke.