FRIENDS INDEED

CHAPTER TWO

The courtyard of Sullivan High was unusually alive that afternoon.

students gathered in careful clusters, uniforms crisp, whispers threading through the air like electricity.

it wasn't just Gossip-It was confirmation.

The prince of country C was enrolling as a student .

Becca felt it before she saw him. The shift in the air The quiet awe. When he finally stepped into view, dressed in the same uniform as everyone else yet somehow unmistakable, her heart skipped uncontrollably.

This time , he wasn't untouchable.

He was one of them.

Evelyn noticed him instantly.

For a brief moment, she forgot to breathe.

He was closer than she had imagined-real human, walking across the same stone path she crossed everyday. something warm and unfamiliar stirred in her chest. But Evelyn Allen had mastered control long before she mastered desire.

She looked away.

She adjusted her cuff. smoothed her expression. Returned to her

conversation with Becca as if nothing extraordinary had passed by her.

And that was what caught his attention again.

Every other student stared. Whisphered. watched.

Evelyn didn't.

During the brief introduction, the principal spoke of excellence, legacy and discretion. The prince stood calmly beside him, his gaze drifting- until it landed on Evelyn.

she met his gaze.

Brief and unimpressed.

Later, as the principal finished and the students went to their various lockers to prepare for class.

He stopped near her locker.

"You're Evelyn Allen", he said- not asking

"Yes", she replied, closing her locker with practiced ease

with Becca by her side

"You don't seem to be particularly impressed", he said, curiosity clear in his tone.

Evelyn shrugged lightly. "we're students here. Titles don't change that."

Something shifted in his expression.

"I think I'll enjoy this school", he said, smiling. "Especially if everyone isn't trying to impress me".

Becca stood beside Evelyn, her smile frozen, watching the person she liked quietly choose someone else.

As the prince walked away, Evelyn exhaled slowly.

she had wanted to look at him longer

she hadn't

And that action was exactly why he looked back

Upon getting to class Evelyn went to her seat and Becca also did.

As she began taking her textbooks from her bag.

principal Harrington came into the classroom, adjusted his glasses and scanned the room. "For the upcoming inter-school symposium, you will be working in pairs. Assignments have already been made".

A ripple of interest passed through the class.

"Evelyn Allen", he continued, "you'll be working with prince Cyrus".

Becca's pen paused.

Evelyn felt the eyes of everyone turn towards her, she raised her eyes slowly, composed as ever, though her heart betrayed her with a thud She glanced at Becca-an instinct more than a thought- then back to the front.

Cyrus had a faint smile touching his face. while Becca swallowed her saliva.

After class,, Evelyn gathered her books, her movements careful and controlled. "Looks like we're partners", the prince said lightly, falling into step beside her making Becca fall behind. But Evelyn didn't notice.

"So it seems", Evelyn replied.

Their conversations turned to their assignments work- political systems, diplomacy, ethics. He listened when she spoke, asked questions that suggested genuine interests rather than polite obligations. Evelyn answered thoughtfully, surprised by how exactly the words came out.

Behind them, Becca followed, silently.

At the library, the prince pulled out a chair for Evelyn. "You have strong opinions", he said , "Most people soften theirs around me".

"I don't see the point", Evelyn replied calmly. "Ideas deserve honesty".

Becca sat across from them, flipping through pages without reading. she watched as their heads bent together, their voices low and focused, as if the world only had two of them in it.

Evelyn noticed Becca then Guilt flickered- small, fleeting.

"Becca's excellent at research", Evelyn said. "she should join us ".

Cyrus nodded politely." of course "

As they worked, the prince addressed Evelyn more often, directing questions to her, responding to her thoughts . Becca contributed when she could, but each comment felt like an interruption Rather than an addition.

When the bell rang, Cyrus gathered his notes" we should continue tomorrow ".

Evelyn nodded" tomorrow ".

As he walked away, Becca closed her book slowly.

" You didn't have to include me ",she said, her tone flat.

Evelyn frowned." of course I did. "

Becca smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.

For the first time in a long time, studying together felt less like sharing space and more like standing on opposite sides of it.