0003.

NIYLAH'S POV

I swiftly turned my head to the other side, hoping she wouldn't notice me, but it seemed she already saw me because I could hear her scoff from where I stood.

In the midst of not knowing where to sit, it felt like the whole class was against me.

"Niylah, come sit here," Nova's voice called out, and I shifted to her side. She gestured to the seat beside her, and I nodded before walking over to sit beside her.

"So, your name is Niyla," Liam remarked as I passed by him. I nodded before taking my seat beside Nova.

I placed my notes on the table, feeling the heat seeping out of my body as the lecturer began the class. The topic felt oddly familiar to me; I had been researching my department's work ever since I got admission to this school. As a business student, studying felt like second nature to me. If they gave me an exam today, I'm sure I wouldn't fail.

I listened carefully to the lecturer, absorbing every bit of knowledge. Learning never ends, right?

As the class ended, students started leaving one by one, each person with their gossip friend.

I stood up from my seat, ready to leave, when I heard Nova's voice from behind.

"I haven't given you permission to stand up," she said, and I froze in place. Did I really need permission from her to do anything?

"Sit down," Hilda's voice followed, and I quietly took my seat again.

I hadn't heard Ivory's voice yet. Maybe it was just her nature to stay quiet, or perhaps she was pretending.

They told me to sit down while they kept talking among themselves. I wondered if this was another way of navigating through life.

I couldn't believe my ears hearing them discuss how to have sex with a man. They were shameless. I just hoped their conversation wouldn't influence me.

"Hey Niylah, you can get going," a voice I didn't recognize said. I turned back to see Ivory's eyes on me. Did she just speak to me?

"I said you can get going," she repeated. Hilda and Nova could only stare at her without saying a word. I wondered if she was the one controlling them.

I stood up, ready to leave, but Alpine's eyes were still on me. If I stepped outside now, there was no way she wouldn't come after me. The only thing holding her back was sitting close to a rich girl she might know. What if I left them alone and headed back home and Alpine came for me?

No, I'd rather stay than face humiliation from Alpine. My eyes landed on the floor, and I flashed Ivory an awkward smile. "I'll wait till you guys are done," I said, and she gave me a questioning look.

"Are you saying no to my command?" she asked, and I shook my head in denial.

"No, I'm not," I replied.

"Then stand up and get out of here!" Hilda screamed, and I stood up, walking away instantly.

I held my bag tightly to my chest, praying inwardly for Alpine not to follow me.

The moment I stepped out of the hall, I felt a hand on my back, and I froze. "Alpine!" my mind screamed as I turned back, but it was someone different.

Liam next to him was Henry, whose gaze was intense. I wondered why his eyes were always on his forehead. Did he ever smile?

"What about the jacket I gave you earlier?" He asked, releasing his hand from my shoulder.

"At home. I'll wash it and bring it for you tomorrow," I said, seeing Henry's eyes widen in surprise.

Liam and Henry exchanged a glance, and Henry walked away without looking back.

"As you can see, the jacket belongs to him," Liam said awkwardly, and my mouth formed an "O."

"I have no idea," I said, and he nodded understandingly.

"My name is Liam," he said, gesturing for a handshake. I stared at him for a moment, wondering about his intentions. He didn't seem like a poor guy, and his stance suggested he might come from a high society so why was he acting so nice?

I felt his hand reaching out, and we shook hands. "Nice meeting you," he said, and I nodded.

"Same here," I replied as he let go of my hand.

"See you around," he said, walking away, and my eyes followed

"What's happening to me?" I wondered, tears welling up. I felt a hint of a headache, but suddenly my body felt okay again. I stood up straight, my eyes filled with questions.

"What is that," I questioned myself.