Sera

The new day at Virelade started like the usual with tight schedules, stiff uniforms, and the constant pressure of being around the best of the best.

I was doing my best to blend in, with my head hanging low and keeping my voice lower so they couldn't suspect me and keeping the whole "I'm totally a guy named Seth" act perfect.

That worked for about five minutes.

Luca slid into the seat beside me in Lit class,he came towards me all grin and attitude. "Morning, sunshine."

I blinked. "Huh?"

He smirked. "Your hair's a mess,kind of a sexy mess though. Like you just rolled out of bed after a wild night ."

"Dude," I muttered, praying the floor would swallow me.

"Relax, Seth. I'm just being friendly. You looked tense,want me to massage your shoulders or something?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

My face burned as i shifted in my seat, trying to laugh it off. "Pretty sure that breaks like ten rules."

From the front row, Kael turned his head slightly just slightly towards us. But his gaze was nowhere near friendly. He didn’t say anything, didn’t even frown. But his eyes lingered on us for a little while.

Luca noticed too.

"Uh oh! Ice Prince is watching,we better behave."

Kael snapped his book closed, harder than necessary. "Some people could try focusing on the assignment for once."

"You're right, bro," Luca said easily, smirking as he leaned back. "Just having a little fun. Seth's new, thought I'd make him feel welcome."

Kael didn't answer,he turned forward, but I could feel the tension radiating off him from three rows away.

By lunch the time lunch came, it was worse.

We were at our usual table, the Sovereign Circle all in their usual spots with Kael still brooding, Alexander was reading a Russian novel that no one could pronounce, River was silently chewing like he was plotting to escape the school, and Luca of course trying to slide his leg against mine under the table.

"So, Seth," Luca said, his voice low and flirty. "What’s your type?"

I choked on my water while Kael's fork clanged against his tray.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Are you incapable of having normal conversations, Luca?"

"What? I’m getting to know our boy,isn’t that what Kael said we should do? Build team unity and all that crap?"

Kael didn’t look up. "That’s not what I meant."

"Anyway," Luca continued, ignoring him, "if you had to kiss someone at this table, who would it be?"

I nearly died. "I...pass. Hard pass."

River smirked faintly. "Smart choice."

Kael stood up with his tray in hand. "We're done here,class starts in five,don't be late."

Luca whistled under his breath. "Someone's cranky today. You okay, Kael? You look a little... tense."

Kael paused. "If you spent more time preparing for exams and less time pretending you’re charming, maybe you'd stop dragging the rest of us down."

Ouch.

Later that night, after lights out, I couldn't sleep. There was too much spinning in my head. With Kael’s mood swings, Luca’s flirting. My heart doing weird gymnastics for both of them, which was SO not the plan.

And then... I heard a soft music from a far.

Curious and lowkey desperate for fresh air, I slipped out of bed and followed the sound. I found the music room whose door was cracked open.

I peaked through there and saw Kael.his fingers moved over the keys like a professional. He didn’t notice me at first until he finished, his hands resting on the keys, with his head slightly bowed.

Then, without looking, he said, "You're not very subtle, Seth."

I froze. "Sorry. I was just...I heard music,i didn’t know anyone was allowed to play."

He turned slowly, "This room’s off-limits after hours."

"Yeah, well... So.. "

A flicker of amusement crossed his face. Then asked "What do you want?"

I hesitated. "Nothing. Just... you looked different. Playing, I mean. Not like... you."

He studied me. "What exactly do you think I’m like?"

Cold and arrogant piece of shit!

I shrugged. "I dunno,not musical."

Kael stood, brushing his fingers along the keys one last time before closing the lid. "This doesn't leave this room. Got it?"

"Sure. Your secret's safe with me."

He moved past me, stopping just short. "I don't know what Luca's deal is with you but don't let it distract you."

My throat tightened. "Why? You jealous?"

His jaw clenched,he didn't seem impressed at all. "Don't flatter yourself."