Chapter 3 - The New Guy

Chapter 3

The first class of the day was about to start—Maths.

“I can’t wait for this class to be over,” Becky groaned, slumping over her desk dramatically like she was about to faint.

Sussy and Annie exchanged a look and burst into quiet laughter.

“Alright, class, settle down,” Mr. Sevelster announced as he strode into the room, his glasses sliding halfway down his nose. “We have a new student joining us today. Let’s all give him a warm welcome.”

The chatter died instantly. A tall figure walked slowly to the front of the room. His presence alone shifted the energy, and the whispers started almost immediately.

“Oh my gosh, he’s so fine.”

“Wow, he’s tall.”

“Bet he’s an athlete.”

Annie, curious, turned her head—and froze. Her heart skipped a beat as recognition washed over her.

No way. It couldn’t be. Why did it have to be him?

Becky leaned closer, grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “Annie, why are you staring like that? Girl, that boy is fine.”

Annie scowled. “That’s the jerk I told you about yesterday.”

Sussy gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth. “Wait—what? You didn’t tell us he was this fine!”

“I don’t care if he’s fine,” Annie muttered, crossing her arms. “He’s still a jerk.”

Mr. Sevelster cleared his throat, silencing the giggles. The new boy scanned the room. For a brief second, his eyes locked with Annie’s. She stiffened. Then, just as quickly, he looked away like she wasn’t even there.

Wow. Did he just pretend not to know me? So rude. Annie pouted and sank lower in her seat.

“Hi everyone,” the boy said confidently, flashing a smile that made half the class swoon. “My name is Damien. I just moved here, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know all of you and creating some amazing memories.”

From the back, a girl yelled, “We too!” and the class erupted in laughter.

“Thank you, Damien,” Mr. Sevelster said with a smile. “You may take a seat so we can begin today’s lesson.”

Damien’s eyes scanned the room again. Annie’s stomach dropped when he started walking her way. He stopped at the empty desk directly behind hers and sat down with maddening casualness.

A moment later, she felt him lean forward. “Hi, stranger.”

Annie’s back stiffened. Without turning, she whispered, “Why are you talking to me, stranger? You just acted like you didn’t know me.”

“Oh, does it bother you?” Damien teased, his voice low, almost playful.

“Of course not. Why would it?” she shot back quickly, though her cheeks warmed.

Damien chuckled under his breath. “Didn’t think they’d accept a transfer student this late in the last year of high school.”

Annie blinked, turning her head slightly. “Huh? What did you just say?”

“Nothing.” He leaned back, smirking, like he hadn’t just dropped something suspicious.

Before Annie could push further, Mr. Sevelster’s voice snapped through the room. “Annie. Damien. Eyes on the board, please.”

The whole class snickered, and Annie felt heat rush to her face. She hated being the center of attention—especially with Damien involved.

For the rest of the lesson, she tried to focus on quadratic equations, but Damien’s presence was impossible to ignore. Every time she moved, she swore she could feel his gaze lingering. And every so often, he would tap his pen softly against his desk—just enough to draw her attention without getting caught.

When the bell finally rang, Becky stretched and sighed with relief. “Ugh, finally! I thought my brain was going to explode.”

As they packed up their things, Sussy smirked knowingly. “So… Annie. That was interesting.”

Becky wiggled her brows, grinning. “Yeah, the way Damien kept whispering to you? Don’t think we didn’t notice.”

Annie rolled her eyes, shoving her books into her bag. “There was nothing to notice. He’s just… annoying.”

“Annoying and fine,” Becky teased.

“Annoying and definitely not ignoring you,” Sussy added, laughing.

Annie groaned, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “You two are impossible.”

But as they walked out of class, Annie couldn’t shake the sound of Damien’s voice in her ear.