ELITE

I've just won a scholarship to attend the most prestigious university in the country. For dirt poor, orphaned 18-year-old, this is a huge deal. So why do I feel anxious instead of excited? Kiran turns to look her Grandpa at the wheel. He insisted on dropping me off. As my only remaining family, he said it was his duty. He's frowning at the perfectly manicured driveway, leading up to the steel monstrosity of a gate. As though he can read Kiran's mind, her Grandpa turns to Kiran with a soothing smile. " I can feel you breathing down my neck, Kirania Zemira " "  Because I'm terrified of messing up, Grandpa." " You won't, Kirania Zemira. Just remember, this isn't just some regular old university. The kids who go there, they're children of presidents, diplomats, CEO. " " All the more reason I can't mess up. " An unfriendly looking security guard mans the steel gate, a gun tucked in his holster. " You're not from around here, are you? " " Is it that obvious? " " I could spot it from a mile away " " Add a few hundred more miles, and you'll end up on my family's farm in Bandung" " A long way from home, huh? Don't worry, most of the kids here are, too. The dorms are straight down the road, in front of the parking lot. Good luck. " Moments later, Kiran arrives at an enormous 12-story building made from stone and brick. Kiran and Grandpa both step out from the car. " Wait here. I'll go get instructions on signing you in. " Kiran nod, but herself distracted by the sheer size of your new dorm. So, distracted, you don't even see the large black boots lounging in front of Kiran-- until Kiran trip on them, and go sailing into the arms of a tall, broad-shouldered Kirania. His arms grip  Kira's, his warm fingers contrast to his icy-blue gaze. He quickly untangles Kiran from his limbs. " Are you lost, new girl? " " I should catch my breath and introduce myself politely. I'm Kirania Zemira. And you are? " " None of your business, but I'll bite. I'm Mirza Mahendra. " " Nice to meet you, Mirza. " Mirza grins down at Kiran, his eyebrow raised. " I don't know if you'll be saying that in a few minutes, Kirania Zemira. " His sky-blue eyes fix on Kiran's own, his smile slowly disappearing. Kiran face grows hot. His eyes are so familiar, but I can't quite put my finger on why. Do I know you from somewhere? " "I doubt it. I would definitely have remembered if we'd met. " Kiran blushes crimson-red, looking away. " Oh, don't be shy. We don't bite. Unless you want us to. " Before you can respond, two boys lingering behind Mirza step up. " I'm Kevin. And you must be the squeaky-clean farm girl of our dreams. " He flashes Kiran a charming grin, clearly joking. Kiran relaxes a little until Kiran notices the third member of their little clique. Tattooed and menacing, he's staring daggers at Mirza and Kevin. " If you two are done flirting with the new girl, we need to tell her the rules. " " Don't mind Dito, Kirania Zemira. He's just grumpy that Mirza beat him to you. " " He didn't beat me to anything. I decide when, and who, we talk to. " " Are they talking about me? Hey, can you guys back off? You can't just tease me because I'm the hew girl. " " Oh, we're not teasing, Kirania Zemira. " He takes a step closer to Kiran. Kiran stands her ground, refusing to play his game. Kiran turns to leave and go find her Grandpa. Before Kiran can, Mirza cuts her off. " You must think you're so smart, huh? " " I don't think I'm smart. I know I'm smart. It's why I won the scholarship. " " You may have won the scholarship, but there's a lot about Eagle Elite you don't know, farm girl. " " Hey! Is there a problem here? " Uh-oh. Grandpa's back, and he doesn't look happy. None of the boys answer Grandpa, but a strange glimmer of recognition appears in Mirza's eyes. " Do I know you? " Much to Kiran's surprise, Grandpa responds by rolling up his sleeves threateningly. " Do you know may farmers out in Bandung, rich boy? " Grandpa is out of control! I should intervene before things get any worse. Kiran physically steps between them. " everyone, just calm down. " " No one speaks to you that way, Kirania Zemira. Not in front of me. " " Grandpa, I can handle myself. " " Have it your way, farm girl. " Mirza winks at you, smirking as he backs away. Kiran watches Mirza stride into the dorms, Kevin and Dito hurrying after him. " that was a strange welcome party. " " I don't expect anything else from rich people. " He turns to you with a sad smile. " Now, it's time for our goodbyes. Don't forget your suitcase. " " Thanks, Grandpa. I'll really miss you. " " I'll miss you, too. And Kirania Zemira, just.... be careful. There are people out there --- He hesitates. He opens his mouth to say something but changes his mind halfway. "never mind. just be safe and happy, and don't forget about me. " Kiran eyes well with tears, but Grandpa clears his throat. " no time for tears, sweet pea. your room's at the end of the hallway. be good. " He kisses Kiran forehead and departs. wiping her eyes, Kiran takes her suitcase into the dorms.