Alex POVThe words on the crumpled piece of paper haunted me, a cruel whisper at the back of my mind. “Meet in the abandoned shed.”Andrian's message had been straightforward, but it carried a weight that made my chest tighten. He hadn’t specified the time, which only added to my frustration. Throughout my classes, I was a hollow shell, staring blankly at the board. The teacher’s voice was a meaningless drone. My classmates probably noticed my unusual silence, hence their rare mercy in refraining from taunts today. The bell signaling the start of sports blared across the schoolyard. Most students hurried out, their excited chatter filling the air. I, however, walked against the crowd, heading toward the music room. With the auditions just around the corner, practicing seemed like the logical choice. My only chance to qualify rested on proving myself, especially to the so-called legendary judge who had crushed my automatic qualification last time. The memory of his unimpressed gaze
Alex POV The cafeteria buzzed with life, the hum of conversations blending with the clinking of utensils. The smell of roasted beans wafted through the air, reminding me of how much I’d skipped lunch the past few days. “So… where have you been all this while?” I asked Linda, finally spotting her as she slid into the seat across from me. Throughout the day, she’d been scarce, and as a friend, it bothered me. “It’s nothing, Alex. Just busy with school stuff,” she replied quickly, her voice light. But her fingers betrayed her; they played nervously with the hem of her sweater. “School stuff? Since when are you the diligent type?” I teased, trying to draw her out, but she avoided my gaze. “Alex, just drop it, okay?” Her tone was sharper now, defensive. I wanted to press on, to ask what was really going on, but before I could, Luke’s voice interrupted. “So, you guys actually stay here to eat?” he asked, flashing his usual mischievous smile as he sat down beside me, uninvited as alwa
Andrian’s POV The day had been off from the start. I couldn’t quite place when my mood had soured, but by the time I entered the cafeteria, a dull irritation simmered beneath my skin. Maybe it was the stale air, the overzealous whispers of classmates trying to curry favor with me, or the fact that none of it felt real. Whatever it was, it only got worse when I saw him. There he was. Alex. Laughing. With Luke, of all people. The sight made my jaw tighten, my appetite disappearing instantly. Luke, an elite like me, someone with the world at his feet, was sitting with him, the boy I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about, for all the wrong reasons. I watched as Luke leaned closer to Alex, his grin smug and effortless, and something in my chest twisted. It wasn’t jealousy, I told myself. It couldn’t be. But then, why couldn’t I look away? Josh, sitting across from me, followed my line of sight and let out a low chuckle. “Want to teach him another lesson, like yesterday?” The
The thrill of rebellion pulsed through my veins as we sprinted across the campgrounds, skipping the last class of summer camp. It wasn’t just any class, it was the final gathering before everything came to an end. But that didn’t matter now.“Miss Benita needs to get laid,” Jacob, my best friend, grumbled, his breath heavy from running. He pulled out a cigar, lighting it with a flick of his wrist before offering it to me.“Nooo, Remember that I don't smoke,” I smirked, remembering him, for like a hundred times since we started coming into this abandoned closet to stay and have some fresh air devoid of Miss Benita and her serious vibes that follow her.He chuckled, giving me a teasing look. “Come on, Alex. Live a little. It’s our last day of freedom.” His green eyes sparkled mischievously, and despite myself, I found it hard to resist.Okay, but just this once,” I sighed, taking the “nutrient cigar” as he calls it hesitantly. As soon as I inhaled, a violent cough ripped through my ches
Alex pov The beauty of the green lush scenery stretched for miles, I was looking out of the car window, but the beautiful vegetation might as well jad look bland in my eyes, thinking about the past six hours of my was like a torment I don't know how to stop, the pain was there and it's still there, and I fear will still be there. He had left without saying the final goodbye we had promised each other; we had planned to meet up in the morning and exchange numbers and even agreed to introduce our parents, but I had stood for close to two hours waiting for him. “Alex, did you hear me?” The voice of my mum sounded distant in my ears. “Huh??” I tried to get myself together, but it was not just happening. “Oohh my baby, what's wrong? Are you hurt?” My mum saw my puffed and red eyes. “It…its…nothing I stammered” to my horror my anxiety that had disappeared since three months I had been in camp, kicked in. “Sweety, pls tell mummy what happened, were you bullied again or harassed…” My
Andrians pov The ride back home had been filled with awkwardsilence, and I was bubbling with anger. “Haven't we reached the damn house!!” I scowled at my driver, Enzo “No master, we are yet to reach” my driver Enzo replies respectfully. “Incompetent fool” I cursed under my breath. I was happy to be done with this stupid mission. My father, out of nowhere, had given me a mission. He had termed it a grade A mission, stressing the importance of the mission. The mission was so simple to be true, I had thought it was a joke, but on reaching the camp, I realised that I was in for the most simplest overrated mission in the wide world. “Get close to Alex” that was his words, before he handed me a heavy portfolio filled with his info, and a picture that will help me recognize him, alas, I didn't need the photo because Alex stuck out like a sore thumb from the rest of the kids. He was a quiet kid, so quiet you wouldn't realise someone was there, and those blue ocean eyes…. “Master w
Alex pov ******3 years later,********* The blaring sound of my alarm rebounded throughout my room. I jerked up in confusion before It took me a moment to realise that it was not the fire alarm, but rather my alarm standing proudly on my bed stand. I grudgingly switched off the annoying piece of device, wondering how I forgot to deactivate it before going to sleep. Today is Saturday, which means no school for me. “Ahhh,” a loud yelp came out from my mouth, followed by thuding sound. My stuff lying all around had tripped me. Perfect “Is everything alright? Alex, our maid Debby, poked her head into my bedroom. “Yeah, all’s good” I gave her a thumbs up, “Your breakfast is ready downstairs,” she added before slipping out like she never came in. I sighed, finally getting free from my clothes that tangled with my legs. That's a great way to start a great weekend. “Honey how are you doing today?” The sound of my mum's voice greeted me. I was surprised she was at home. Normally, by
Alex pov “Honey you will be late for school!” I heard a voice in my sleep and felt a heavy weight land on me, pressing me to my bed. Ahhh!” I shouted as I opened my eyes to see Linda, my annoying best friend, grinning on top of me. “Wakey wakey, honey! You’re late for school!” she sang in a high-pitched voice, mimicking my mom’s. “Eeww, get off me, you ugly duckling!” I grumbled, shoving her off and sitting up. “Wait, what’s this?” she asked, eyes narrowing as she spotted a picture falling from my chest. Before she could grab it, I snatched it away, heart pounding. “Alright, you’ve overstayed your welcome. I’ll be down in ten minutes,” I said quickly, pushing her out of my room and slamming the door. As soon as I was alone, I let out a sigh of relief. “That was close,” I muttered. If she had seen the picture, I wouldn’t have heard the end of it for at least two weeks. I stared at the photo for a moment, my fingers tracing the edges. It was me and Jacob, smiling like we didn’t
Andrian’s POV The day had been off from the start. I couldn’t quite place when my mood had soured, but by the time I entered the cafeteria, a dull irritation simmered beneath my skin. Maybe it was the stale air, the overzealous whispers of classmates trying to curry favor with me, or the fact that none of it felt real. Whatever it was, it only got worse when I saw him. There he was. Alex. Laughing. With Luke, of all people. The sight made my jaw tighten, my appetite disappearing instantly. Luke, an elite like me, someone with the world at his feet, was sitting with him, the boy I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about, for all the wrong reasons. I watched as Luke leaned closer to Alex, his grin smug and effortless, and something in my chest twisted. It wasn’t jealousy, I told myself. It couldn’t be. But then, why couldn’t I look away? Josh, sitting across from me, followed my line of sight and let out a low chuckle. “Want to teach him another lesson, like yesterday?” The
Alex POV The cafeteria buzzed with life, the hum of conversations blending with the clinking of utensils. The smell of roasted beans wafted through the air, reminding me of how much I’d skipped lunch the past few days. “So… where have you been all this while?” I asked Linda, finally spotting her as she slid into the seat across from me. Throughout the day, she’d been scarce, and as a friend, it bothered me. “It’s nothing, Alex. Just busy with school stuff,” she replied quickly, her voice light. But her fingers betrayed her; they played nervously with the hem of her sweater. “School stuff? Since when are you the diligent type?” I teased, trying to draw her out, but she avoided my gaze. “Alex, just drop it, okay?” Her tone was sharper now, defensive. I wanted to press on, to ask what was really going on, but before I could, Luke’s voice interrupted. “So, you guys actually stay here to eat?” he asked, flashing his usual mischievous smile as he sat down beside me, uninvited as alwa
Alex POVThe words on the crumpled piece of paper haunted me, a cruel whisper at the back of my mind. “Meet in the abandoned shed.”Andrian's message had been straightforward, but it carried a weight that made my chest tighten. He hadn’t specified the time, which only added to my frustration. Throughout my classes, I was a hollow shell, staring blankly at the board. The teacher’s voice was a meaningless drone. My classmates probably noticed my unusual silence, hence their rare mercy in refraining from taunts today. The bell signaling the start of sports blared across the schoolyard. Most students hurried out, their excited chatter filling the air. I, however, walked against the crowd, heading toward the music room. With the auditions just around the corner, practicing seemed like the logical choice. My only chance to qualify rested on proving myself, especially to the so-called legendary judge who had crushed my automatic qualification last time. The memory of his unimpressed gaze
Alex’s POV The events of the past few minutes felt like a whirlwind. I was still processing everything as I stood at the door of my apartment, mouth agape staring at the back profile of Luke. He had escorted me to my house. I had no choice as I could not reach home by myself, not in my state of mind. and Luke being him took advantage of that. He had gisted and made jokes about him being the hero and the hero supposed to receive a kiss from the victim as thank you gift. I had laughed without paying attention to it. Surprisingly, he had called me back and pressed his mouth on mine. At the last minute, I had shifted my head, and the intended kiss became a peck. It was unexpected, out of character, and completely disarming. He had just dashed off afterward, leaving me stunned and standing in the cold night air. And surprisingly, I didn't feel violated or disgusted. My fingers lightly touched my cheek where his lips had brushed against my skin. It wasn’t much, a quick, fleeting gest
Alex’s POV The bell signaling the end of classes rang, and I found myself lingering in my seat, nerves bubbling in my stomach. I was supposed to head to the school auditorium for the audition I’d applied for days ago, but now, doubt gnawed at me. What if I embarrass myself? What if Andrian’s cronies show up just to mock me? I was nervous, throughout my way to the auditorium. Many students were milling in and out to watch the audition. I became conflicted whether to enter through the door, or I should turn away and leave. But then I thought about that moment at Puppy’s Bar, the thrill of losing myself in the music, the way I felt like I belonged, if only for a little while. I wanted that feeling again. “Hey you are blocking the fucking damn door” an angry impatient student shouted at my back, jerking me out of my confliction. With shaky determination, I grabbed my bag and headed to the auditorium. The large hall was packed with students of all kinds, some clutching instrument
Alex’s POVI woke up to the sound of my phone vibrating against the wooden bedside table. My heart skipped a beat, part of me expecting it to be Amanda, or worse, Andrian. The screen flashed with an unfamiliar number. Frowning, I hesitated before picking up. “Hello?” “Good morning, boyfriend,” a familiar voice chimed, teasing and casual. “Luke?” I blurted out, my brain struggling to catch up. “What did you just call me?” “Boyfriend. You said yes yesterday, remember?” I frowned, sitting up. “What are you talking about? I don’t recall agreeing to anything.” “Oh, come on, Alex. Don’t play dumb.” I could hear the grin in his voice. “After detention yesterday, when I asked if we could give this a shot, you didn’t say no.” “Not saying no doesn’t mean yes!” I shot back, my voice sharper than I intended. “Well, I’m taking it as a yes,” he said with infuriating calm. “And besides, you’re way too cute to say no to me.” I rolled my eyes, already regretting answering the call. “Luke, I…
Alex pov It wasn’t until 5 p.m. that the teacher in charge of our detention released us. I was already beyond frustrated. The day was slipping away, and I was stuck at school, staring into space, when I should have been at Amanda’s house cleaning. Today was payday, and missing it wasn’t an option, no matter how late it was. Not even when an annoying, frustrating boy like Luke was breathing down my neck. “What do you want, Luke?” I asked for what felt like the hundredth time since detention started. His response? The same infuriating smile. “I just want to escort you home. Chillax, man, I don’t bite.” “No! I can find my way home. I don’t need you for that,” I snapped, stepping back instinctively. There was no way I was letting him see where I lived. My thoughts spiraled with all the possible outcomes of him knowing. He was an elite, for Christ’s sake. His sudden goodness was suspicious. “You look cute when you’re angry,” Luke said casually, catching me completely off guard.
Alex pov The morning sun streamed into my room, mocking me with its warmth and brightness. I pulled the blanket over my head, wishing I could disappear. My chest still ached with the weight of humiliation, and the memory of yesterday haunted me. Andrian’s smirk, the crowd’s laughter, the whispers, they all played on a loop in my head. “Alex?” My mom’s voice drifted in softly, followed by a gentle knock. I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to see anybody, especially my mother. “Alex, I’m coming in.” The door creaked open, and her footsteps stopped just inside. “You’ve been in here all morning. You’re going to be late for school.” “I’m not going,” I muttered, my voice muffled by the pillow. “Alex, you can’t just…” “I said I am not going mum, just drop it” “Alexi, what happened? Did anybody hurt you or bully you…” she was saying “Mom, please!” I snapped, my words sharper than I intended. “Just leave me alone! I don't need you breathing down my neck!!” Silence stre
Alex pov The boy that had been staring at me throughout today. The strange elite. “What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice hoarse from crying. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he studied me. “I could ask you the same thing. Look around this place. I came to take a shot.” His tone was light, almost teasing, but it only fueled my frustration. But I couldn’t help but look around at the shed. There were rows of packs of cigars and lighters arranged on the desk close to the wall. The walls were filled with posters of rock stars and famous artists. The decor of the room was plain, but it was a hideout. But for who. Fear crept inside me. “Are you stalking me?” I snapped, rising to my feet. “Because if you are, you can forget it. I don’t need your pity or your fake concern.” “Whoa, relax,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not stalking you. I just happened to notice you running out of the school like your life depended on i