Chapter 4

HENRY

We walked into the assembly with our usual confidence, heading straight to the back. A bunch of students turned their heads to look at us.

By now, I was fully awake for the day. With my hands tucked in my pockets, I watched everyone chatting away. Principal Shawn hadn’t arrived yet, so the noise was normal.

Then, a wave of loud gasps spread through the crowd.

I glanced in that direction, and beside me, David scoffed.

“These K3 always exaggerate,” he muttered.

I stayed quiet, and so did Arda and the rest.

“K3, can I sniff your uniforms?!”

“I’m counting on you to win the next basketball match!”

The shouting only got louder, and the girls were practically melting. Even the guys stared at the K3 with admiration.

Well, what did I expect? In this school, the K3 were treated like royalty, though only my roommates and a few others knew how pretentious they really were. Drake, Jeff, and Dray made up the famous trio.

When someone mentioned them winning the next basketball match, I smirked.

Win? Against the J5?

Not happening.

The J5, which was me and my four roommates, had been the true kings of basketball since we entered this school last year. Of course, the K3 had their own loud fanbase insisting they were the kings too.

We ignored their noise and faced forward when Principal Shawn finally walked in.

“Good morning, everyone.”

“Let’s not waste time, look at that signboard.”

We all turned to see a staff member hanging a board on the wall.

In bold letters: WELCOME NEW STUDENTS

Gasps rippled through the hall.

We all knew what that meant. Whenever that sign appeared, it meant someone new had enrolled. Instantly, the entire assembly began buzzing with curiosity. No one knew who are those coming, so we could only wait.

After the announcement, the assembly ended. Our first class was music. By the time that class finished, about an hour and a half, my roommates headed to the next lesson.

I, however, walked toward the staff block.

Exams weren’t close yet, but I knew I needed to prepare early. Being on scholarship, I couldn’t afford to slip, not even a little.

“Henry, you should know better.”

“Your grades must not drop this session. I’ve been hearing that you’ve been skipping or slacking in class lately.” My uncle, Mr. Kay, frowned deeply.

I stood in his office with my head lowered.

“Uncle, I won’t mess up,” I said firmly.

“You cannot afford to,” he repeated. “Your sister’s grades are still excellent, and she makes me proud.” His expression softened slightly.

I nodded. “I understand.”

Uncle Kay, from my father’s side, worked at this school. He helped us a lot and was the one who secured the scholarship for me and my sister. I was grateful, truly, and I needed to live up to that trust.

After discussing academics, we talked briefly about family, then I excused myself.

Instead of heading to class, I went straight to the cafeteria.

Lunch break had already begun.

On my way to the cafeteria, I only saw the usual students walking around. Everyone else already knew their way. Principal Shawn had mentioned earlier that the new students would be arriving tomorrow, so the place felt normal.

“Hey, Chap,” Stellan said as he patted my head.

“Guys,” I greeted with a smile and sat down.

While eating, I heard Jay say, “Coach wants to see us after class today.”

“Mm.” I nodded as I took another bite of my hamburger.

We all knew it was probably about rehearsal, so none of us questioned it. After lunch and finishing the rest of our classes, we headed off to find the coach.

The next morning went by normally, except this time I went to class alone. Uncle Kay’s words from yesterday were still on my mind. I didn’t have the luxury to waste time, I needed to be productive every day. Not that I wouldn’t have fun at all, but I’d have to limit it.

Fallow High had two buildings: one for the juniors and one for us seniors. My younger sister, Lisa, was in the junior block. When I reached the senior block, I walked into our class. 

Miss Ella, our female teacher, was already in the classroom. Thankfully, she had just arrived, so I slipped quietly to my seat.

I glanced back at my roommates sitting in their usual spot at the back. Meanwhile, I was the odd one out who preferred the front row for better concentration. They winked at me, and I quickly faced forward.

“Class, a new student will be joining you today,” Miss Ella announced.

My eyes widened. A newcomer? That was extremely rare. Not to brag, but we took one of the toughest classes in the school, aside from music, so freshmen hardly ever joined us.

“Miss Ella, are you serious?” a few students asked, their curiosity matching the tension in the room.

I wasn’t surprised. Anyone would be unsettled hearing that news.

Miss Ella only smirked, turning her eyes toward the door. “Well… you’re about to find out.”

She didn’t answer any questions, just kept her gaze fixed on the entrance.

I leaned back, casually waiting to see what she was planning.

The door opened, and a figure walked in.

My entire relaxed mood disappeared instantly. I turned, just as curious as everyone else.

The whole class fell silent as a tall guy with dark green hair stepped inside. His sharp features and ocean-colored eyes froze everyone in place.

Nobody spoke. Nobody even dared to breathe too loudly. He had no weapons or anything, yet his aura alone was enough to make the entire room tense.

I tried to look away, but I couldn’t. And then, just for a second, he looked right at me.

Our eyes met.

Oh God.

Why me?

I wanted nothing more than for the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

If I hadn’t been so distracted and anxious, I probably would’ve understood the look in his eyes. Was it surprise? Or something like… I’ve been looking forward to meeting you?

Damn.