2

~XANDER~

Outside the classroom, our group of seniors gathered, sharing knowing glances as we awaited the dean's exit. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, while inside, the freshmen sat unaware of the storm brewing just beyond the doors.  Their world seemed serene, untouched by the reality waiting to crash in on them. Finally, the doors swung open, and the dean emerged, his smile giving the freshmen a false sense of security. Little did they know, their first taste of college life was about to get a lot more interesting, thanks to our planned intervention.

Our group strode into the room, commanding attention. "Sit down, all of you," Victor's voice rang out, firm and authoritative, halting the students' departure. With a swift motion, we took our places. Victor continued, his tone measured yet commanding, "Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful day. But now, it’s time for the real college announcements."

Everyone looked at each other with confusion as they reluctantly sat in their seats. I remember being in their position when I was a freshman, but I never found myself in a group as hesitant as this one. “Let’s introduce ourselves. Who wants to go first?” one of my friends asked.

They did as instructed, one after another introducing themselves, giving us a chance to mock them. When the introductions ended, the seniors announced my rules, outlining the consequences that might arise if these rules were not followed. The whispers of these consequences filled the room just as I graced them with my presence. As every girl's gaze fixed upon me, drawn in by my presence and charisma, the room fell into pin-drop silence. I knew I held sway over them all, and I relished it.

I scanned each face with an intense stare as Victor moved toward me and whispered something in my ear. “The girl on the second-to-last bench is the one from the canteen,”

I tilted my body to get a good look at the girl, who didn’t understand what was happening as every eye in the room was fixed on her.

"Everyone, leave," I commanded firmly without breaking my gaze from her face.

Quickly, everyone gathered their belongings and left the room.

"Except you. You will stay."

She looked at her friend with wide eyes, her expression betraying a sense of feeling trapped, unaware of the mistake she might have committed. I noticed how her friend muttered some suggestion, perhaps hinting at compliance.

My gaze flickered between them, catching the silent exchange. It seemed as if something more than mere friendship was brewing between them.

Everyone left the room, leaving her behind.

'New Birdie,' that's what I called her. After all, the information I collected about her throughout the day told me she was new to the city. That excited me when I saw the fear crawling in those eyes.

From where I stood, she appeared frightened. A warm smile stretched across my face, akin to a child gleefully clutching their favorite toy.

As she approached, each calculated step accentuated her perfect curves, subtly outlined by her jeans and tank top, stirring a primal urge within me. Unlike many girls I knew who sought to flaunt their bodies to attract attention, she exuded a sense of casual comfort in her attire.

Beneath those casual clothes, she seemed like a hidden treasure, evoking an instinctual desire to see her without them.

Am I a bad guy? No, I wasn't alone in noticing her allure.

She approached me with lowered gaze, a captivating sight inviting exploration. From her long legs to her delicate waist, every aspect of her form held my attention. Even her flawless skin seemed to beckon.

"Ahem," I cleared my throat, quelling the primal urges within me.

She stood before me, her presence commanding, her fragrance lingering in the air.

"I managed to ask, 'What's your name?'"

She whispered her name, 'Aoife Marshall,' her long lashes fluttering behind her glasses as she continued to avoid my gaze.

"Do you know why I stopped you? My eyes shifted from her lashes towards her pouty pink lips, and a black mole complimented them as she sucked her lower lip. The blush of her cheeks could give competition to the ripest of tomatoes. I didn’t know if she answered my question or not. I was busy exploring her beauty, watching her lift her hand as she rested a strand of hair behind her ear. Suddenly my eyes caught on the tattoo on her wrist. "El Amor Nunca Falla—N.M." (Love Never Fails—N.M.) Curious, I asked, "What’s that?" She creased her brows at me. "It’s personal," she answered. "Okay, Miss Aoife Marshall. I am here to warn you as your senior. Follow the rules. Otherwise, these people here will make your life miserable. This is your last warning after what you pulled in the canteen," I warned, looking at her.

“But...” she whispered and stopped herself before looking at me. “Did you just answer me back? Take those off.” I signaled for her to remove her spectacles. She did, revealing her big blue sapphire eyes hidden behind them. It took me a moment to scan those beautiful eyes, and I felt mesmerized.

“It was not my fault. One of your friends called me baby girl,” she murmured.

I stepped closer and leaned in near her ear. God, I wanted to touch this doll, but I had to stop myself. “I don’t care. Better be careful, little birdie. Otherwise, I will have to chop your wings.”

She swallowed hard, fear evident in her gaze as she stole a glance at me. “And next time, keep your eyes down,” I added, returning to my old position without breaking my gaze from her face. “Did you understand me?”

“Yes,” her voice distorted.

“Yes, what?” Tears rolled from her eyes as she answered while wiping her cheeks. “Yes, sir. Can I go?” she added immediately. I remained silent, observing the deepening flush on her cheeks. In the midst of her embarrassment, I momentarily forgot about the presence of my crew, who had begun to laugh at her expense. She stood there, awaiting my response. Sensing that the situation could escalate with my crew's taunting, I made a decision. "Go," I said softly, prompting her to swiftly grab her bag and flee, leaving her glasses behind.

~Aoife~

What was I thinking when I chose this college for my studies? These people are behaving like animals, humiliating me in front of everyone. I am determined to file a complaint against these bullies.

As tears streamed down my face, I realized I had forgotten my glasses on the table. Should I muster the courage to go back and retrieve them, or should I simply leave?

After waiting for a while, I gathered my courage and returned. With no spare pair and little time to acquire a new one, I braced myself against the pain and approached the door, keeping my eyes cast downward.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them playing some sort of cruel game with my glasses.

"Can I have my glasses?" I whimpered.

Victor began to approach me, but Xander halted him. He retrieved the glasses from Victor's hand and closed the gap between us. I couldn't fathom why he did this, but the humiliation he had inflicted earlier filled me with resentment.

"Here, take them," he whispered in a subdued tone.

I extended my hand, and he gingerly placed the glasses in it. His touch sent a shiver down my spine momentarily, but I shook it off when I realized all eyes were on me. I could sense his piercing gaze fixed upon me.

"Thank you," I whispered back.

He remained there, watching me intently as I left the room without looking back.

Tomorrow, I will resolve to file a complaint against them. They need to learn a lesson.