Hidden eyes, Hidden love

**EPISODE 1 – Skyworth Hale entered Class 2A with her usual quiet grace, hoping—praying—to blend into the background. At sixteen, she had a soft kind of beauty: sky-blue eyes, smooth caramel skin, and a gentle smile that made people feel safe. Her family wasn’t rich, but her heart was. All she wanted was a peaceful school year. Too bad peace ended the moment Ray Jones looked at her. RJ—seventeen, rich, cold, arrogant, handsome. The type of boy teachers respected, boys feared, and girls worshipped. He sat in the back of the class like a king ruling his territory, earbuds in, posture relaxed, expression unreadable. When Sky walked in, he saw her. And didn’t look away. His sharp grey eyes followed her across the room, studying her in a way that made her skin warm. She tried to act normal, sliding into the seat by the window. But then the teacher walked in—and the class session began. Class Activity: Introduction Time “Settle down, students,” Mrs Adams clapped. “Today, we’re pairing up. Each pair will interview each other and share three facts with the class.” Groans filled the room. Students started picking their friends. Sky bent her head, hoping no one would choose her. “Skyworth Hale.” Her head snapped up. RJ was standing beside her desk—again. Everyone stared. Sky blinked. “…Me?” RJ tilted his head slightly, lips pulling into that slow, dangerous smirk. “Yeah. Problem?” Girls in the room gasped. The school prince choosing the qint girl? Impossible. But RJ didn’t wait for her answer. He pulled a chair and sat so close she could feel the warmth of his arm. “Aren’t you supposed to choose someone else?” she whispered nervously. He leaned back, stretching his legs casually. “I chose you. Deal with it.” Sky swallowed hard. The Interview Mrs Adams gave them a worksheet. RJ picked it up and read aloud: “Partner’s favourite food.” He glanced at Sky. “So… what do you like?” Sky hesitated. “Fried rice… I guess.” RJ actually chuckled—quiet but real. “That’s basic. But okay.” She frowned. “Then what do you like?” “You’ll find out.” “That’s not how this works,” she said softly. RJ’s smirk widened. “It is now.” Sky rolled her eyes—something he noticed immediately. “You just rolled your eyes at me,” he said, amused. “Interesting.” Before she could apologise, he leaned forward, elbows on the desk. “Next question: biggest fear.” Sky’s heart jumped. “Why that one?” “Because…” his voice dropped lower, “I want to know.” She looked away. “Heights.” RJ studied her again—too deeply. Then he said, “Mine is losing something I didn’t mean to lose.” Sky looked back at him. “What do you mean?” He shrugged. “You’ll understand someday.” Presentation Time After interviews, each pair had to introduce each other. Sky panicked. She hated speaking in front of people. RJ noticed. Of course he did. When their turn came, Sky stood up but her hands shook. Before she could speak, RJ stood first. “Skyworth likes fried rice,” he said, voice smooth and confident. “She’s scared of heights. And she reads a lot—even though she tries to hide her books behind her bag.” The class laughed lightly. Sky stared at him, shocked. How did he know that? Then he continued: “And…” He looked directly at her, eyes softer for a split second, “…she has a nice voice but hates speaking in public.” Sky felt her cheeks warm. Mrs Adams smiled. “Very observant, Ray.” RJ smirked. “Always.” After Class When the bell rang, Sky tried to escape the moment the teacher left. She packed fast, grabbed her books, and headed for the door— But RJ was faster. He leaned against the doorway with both hands, blocking her path with his tall frame. “Going somewhere, Sky?” he asked lightly. She blinked up at him. “The… hallway.” “Hm.” He tilted his head. “Didn’t I tell you not to hide from me?” Sky opened her mouth to protest—but he stepped aside slowly, brushing past her as he whispered: “I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t be late.” Her heart raced. Sky stepped into the hall, trying to catch her breath. What she didn’t see was RJ watching her go—expression unreadable, jaw tight, eyes softening just a little. Because he already knew: From the moment she walked into that classroom… He was never letting her walk out of his world again. To be continued…