PART 1
912 Words
SKYE'S POV
The corridors of Silvergate Academy buzzed with the usual chaos of first-day energy heels clicking, laughter bouncing off lockers, and students darting through the maze-like halls. I adjusted my navy blazer and stepped through the gates with my usual calm precision. Every step I took was planned, every breath measured. I'd walked these halls for years, and each stride was a reminder that I belonged on top.
This year would be no different.
I tightened my grip on the binder pressed to my chest, my fingers already twitching at the thought of unfinished assignments and academic schedules.
"Valedictorian," I whispered under my breath, a promise to myself. Senior year was mine to conquer.
As I turned the corner near Room 3C, my shoulder slammed hard against someone else's.
My binder dropped with a thud, papers scattering like snowflakes around my polished shoes.
I blinked, stunned, and looked up sharply.
The boy didn’t even pause. Just kept walking. Not a glance. Not a sorry. Not even a grunt of acknowledgment.
My eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Seriously?” I muttered.
I scooped my papers up quickly, rage simmering under my breath. I didn’t have time for this. I hadn’t even made it to homeroom and already some careless i***t had bruised my shoulder and bruised my mood.
"Unbelievable," I hissed.
I straightened and glanced down the hall, trying to catch another glimpse of the boy who’d bulldozed me. I didn’t recognize him. Tall, disheveled uniform, slouched posture, and an expression like he couldn’t care less if the building burned down around him.
Whoever he was, I already hated him.
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EROS'S POV
I didn’t mean to bump into anyone. I also didn’t care that I did.
My earphones were in. Volume up. Backpack hanging lazily off one shoulder. My uniform shirt was wrinkled and untucked, and the ID card hanging around my neck was backward.
First day at a new school? I couldn’t care less.
Silvergate Academy looked exactly like the private institutions I’d been tossed around in all my life clean walls, too-bright lights, and students who walked like they were all chasing some invisible crown.
Whatever.
I made it to my assigned classroom and kicked the door gently open with my foot, eyes scanning for an empty seat near the back. The fewer people noticed me, the better.
I didn’t realize she was in the same class until she walked in two minutes later straight spine, irritated eyes, and a presence that demanded attention.
The girl from the hallway.
She paused the moment she saw me.
I gave her a lazy glance, then looked away. She, however, narrowed her eyes like she’d just spotted a cockroach.
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SKYE'S POV
I took my seat at the front, pretending he wasn’t there. But my mind was spinning.
Why was he in my class?
I leaned over to my best friend Camille, whispering, "Do you know who that is?"
Camille glanced over her shoulder. "Oh, that’s the new transfer. Eros Del Valle. From Aurelius Prep, I think. Heard he’s brilliant. Like... scary smart."
My stomach twisted.
Brilliant?
That word was reserved for me.
I glanced back again, just as he leaned back in his chair, balancing on two legs like he had nothing to prove.
I hated him already.
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EROS'S POV
Homeroom passed uneventfully, aside from the strange tension that settled in the room like fog. Most students didn't notice, but one girl did.
She kept glancing at me, her lips pressed into a tight line like she'd bitten into a lemon.
Skye Aragon. Of course it had to be her.
I knew her name the second I enrolled. Silvergate's pride. Untouchable. Top of the class since birth or something.
I should’ve ignored her.
But where’s the fun in that?
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SKYE'S POV
After homeroom, Camille caught up with me as we walked to our next class.
"Okay, what's the deal?" she asked. "You look like you're ready to punch someone."
"He slammed into me earlier. Didn’t even say sorry."
Camille raised an eyebrow. "So... this is a pride thing?"
"No," I snapped. "This is a decency thing."
Still, the incident should’ve been forgettable.
But then came Literature class.
Our teacher smiled warmly at the class. "You’ll all be working in pairs for your first project an analysis and creative rewrite of a classic narrative. I’ve assigned the partners randomly."
I leaned forward, excited. I always loved literature projects.
"Skye Aragon... you’ll be with Eros Del Valle."
The world paused.
My mouth opened slightly. "What?"
From the back, he raised a hand lazily. "Cool."
The class chuckled.
I didn’t.
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EROS'S POV
After class, she practically hunted me down.
"I don't know who you think you are," she began, her tone ice-cold, "but if you think you can just skate through this project while I do all the work—"
"Relax," I interrupted, pulling out one earphone. "I don’t need you to do anything for me."
She stepped closer, eyes blazing. "Good. Because I wouldn’t."
I smirked. "Great. We’re off to a healthy start, partner."
Then I turned and walked off.
Again.
No apology.
No explanation.
Just that same smirk I knew would keep her up at night.
This year might be fun after all.
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SKYE'S POV
I clenched my fists.
This year was supposed to be flawless.
But thanks to Eros Del Valle, my perfect plan was about to become a perfect storm.
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To be continued...
- Writer
