CTRL

the new student

CTRL

Chapter Six.....

There were entrances....

And there were announcements.

The week started with restless energy. Everyone felt it. The CTRL blog had gone silent since Friday's Erie doc-edit reveal. That silence? Too loud. And then-

"He's cute," someone whispered at the back of the assembly hall.

"Who?"

"The new guy"

Tami wasn't paying attention until she turned and saw him.

He was leaning against the edge of the stage. he was dressed in pressed charcoal slacks, crisp high-collar shirt, deep Navy overcoat tailored to perfection. His wrist? Rolex. His shoes? Italian leather. He just stood there...hazel eyes scanning the students like he was picking investments.

And when Alia walked in?

He looked at her.

Not just looked. He studied. Like an equation he ah already solved. And then he smiled - a lift off only one corner for his mouth....as if she passed

Mrs. Aisling, the school's vice principal cleared her throat. "Students, please welcome Zahid Van Astor, transferring from Rockwell International. He will be joining the senior class effective from today."

Zahid offered a nod that was respectful, but casual enough to say: 'I'm not here to impress you.'

Whispers surged.

"Rockwell? That's like rich rich."

"He's giving royalty."

"Wait he's a Van Astor? Like Van Astor Estates Van Astor? Jeez!"

"Wait...why is he enrolling here?"

" For real. He looks like he doesn't even need this school."

"He plays ball too, right?"

Tami caught Zayn's jaw tighten slightly. Just for a moment.

Interesting.

In the principal's office, Principal Langley read from a file, almost breathless. "Zahid van Astor. Transferred from Rockwell International. To grades. Sports background. Impeccable references."

"I'm not here to impress," Zahid said, voice smooth like silk over steel. I'm just here to graduate."

Langley chuckled nervously. "Of course. We'll assign you to a student guide. Perhaps -"

"No need," Zahid replied, rising. "I'll find what I need."

Coach Reed was mid-practice when Zahid strode on to the court, dropping his leather satchel on a bench and catching the ball mid-pass like he owned the air.

"I'll join," have said simply.

Zayn, already sweaty from his drills, narrowed is eyes.

"You play?" he asked.

"I win," Zahid replied.

Coach Reed raised an eyebrow "Fine. One-on-one. Let's see what you've got."

The gym circled them fast. Phone's camera out. Sneakers squeaked.

Zayn vs Zahid.

Old Prince is New Threatt.

Zayn drove first - fast, sharp. He dodged. Zahid blocked.

Then Zahid spun,stepped back, and nailed a clean three-pointer like it was choreographed.

Someone gasped.

Zayn's jaw clenched.

"I thought this was a high school," Zahid said with a smirk. "Not a charity game."

Zayn stepped in close.

"I don't care how rich your daddy is," he growled. "Try that ego with someone else."

Zahid just grinned wider. "You're scared."

"Of you?"

"Of being replaced."

Their faces were just inches apart.

Neither blinked.

From the bleachers, Alia watched, intrigued.

And Tami?

Tami watched her. Eyes narrowed. Thoughts ticking.

CTRL Encrypted Group Chat_Extract #3

ctrl.command.exe

@GhosType: He's perfect.

@RedQueen: And already causing Sparks.

@MOTHER: Zayn took the bait.

@GhosType: Don't push too fast. Let them unravel.

@Echo: She noticed him.

@RedQueen: She always does

@GhosType: Let the games begin.

Zahid strolled into the cafeteria late after practice, ignoring the table offers. He walked straight past Cassie. Past Clara. Past the noise. And stopped at Alia's mostly empty table.

"Mind if I sit?" he asked, already lowering himself.

Alia blinked. "Sure. I guess."

"Alia right?" Zahid asked, unwrapping a protein bar.

"Yeah."

"I like your vibe. Quiet. Real."

She gave a soft laugh. "I haven't heard real in a while."

Zahid leaned in. "The maybe you're finally hearing the rights things."

Tami watched from two tables away, silent and still.

And Zayn?

He never entered the cafeteria at all.

@GHSpillz posted by 6:30p.m. that evening.

"It only takes one King to unseat another."

Underneath it was a photo:

Zahid mid-jump his three-pointer shot, Zayn's arm inches too short.

the comments were savage::

"Zayn's losing it."

"Zahid van Astor is Eden's new ruler."

'Zayn who???'

And just like that...

The game changed.