Golden boy

Theo's POV

I stood by the window of the classroom, my gaze fixed on the lawn outside, but my mind was elsewhere. Where exactly? I couldn’t say. But I knew it was wandering through its usual labyrinth of ideas and irritations.

The school had grown unbearably quiet since the last group of seniors had graduated. There was a different kind of stillness, a hollow kind of calmness that gnawed at me.

A school like Hillsborough was meant to breathe life, to pulse with vibes that makes existence worth noticing. But everything felt muted and lifeless as if I had killed the life in it. This was not how it was given to me.

What could I do to awaken it? I asked myself and the answer came as it always did: a party. But what kind of party? And, more importantly, why? The reason mattered. Without reason, celebrations feel empty, just mere noise.

I remembered Matteo, the former prefect, and the effortless way he had orchestrated every gathering. Every party he hosted had meaning. Nothing happened by accident under his watch. He had always known how to light the rooms with laughter and attention, how to leave a mark that lingered long after the music faded.

And now… I had no reason at all. I lacked a purpose, a cause, a spark to ignite the carefully curated chaos I so much loved. The news about the first-year party had faded into a memory. It was hosted before the seniors left and the energy had departed with them, leaving me with nothing but quiet corridors and bored faces.

No one would say it to my face but soon, the rumours will spread and my tenure would be labelled as the most boring tenure in the whole history of Hillsborough.

Wake up Theo. Do something before your vibe is completely killed. I was encouraging myself when a sharp thwack jolted me from my thoughts. Something had struck the back of my head.

I turned quickly, irritation already rising, but it calmed when I saw Julian, Noah, and Louis standing there, their eyes glinting with mischief.

“Really?” I said, rubbing the spot where the ball had hit. “You think that’s how you announce yourselves?”

Julian shrugged, his grin widened “Just making sure you weren’t napping while standing, prefect.”

I exhaled slowly, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. Only they could barge in and disrupt my solemn, perfectly constructed thoughts, and somehow make it entertaining.

“So why are you here all by yourself?” Noah asked as he settled on a desk.

“I adore myself so much that I want to be by myself forever,” I said with a hint of sarcasm.

“Your French ass can't be narcissistic too,” Julian retorted, causing all of us to laugh.

“Point of correction: it is self-love and self awareness. Not narcissism.” I replied, taking my seat beside Noah.

“What if I ask you to go fuck yourself?” Julian asked, laughing like crazy.

“With pleasure,” I retorted. “Since you would never get to do it.”

“That's a weird way to reject a man,” Louis, who had been quiet, finally spoke.

“You know what else is weird?” I asked, letting out a long sigh after that.

“What?” My friends echoed in unison.

“The calmness in this school. It is so boring I could mistake it for a churchyard," I answered.

“I kind of like the peace. It gives room for creativity,” Louis said.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. Creativity my foot. What kind of creativity was he talking about? To me, fun is creativity. Not some quiet school.

“Are you worried about the school or your reputation as the prefect of the school?” Julian asked, flashing me a scrutinizing look.

“And what's your point?” I asked, pretending not to know what he was talking about.

“We all know how obsessed you are with leading and leading in your type of way,” he paused, giving me a chance to defend myself.

But I didn't say a word. I just gestured that he continued with his analysis.

“You don't want your reign to be the boring type, Theo. That's why you're bothered about the serenity of the school,” he added.

“What are you? A mind-reader?” I asked, sarcasm laced in my voice.

Before I could get a reply, Principal Eleanor Whitcombe entered with her usual serene smile.

Instinctively, we straightened, waiting for what came next.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” she said, her light voice carrying that characteristic warmth that made everyone trust her. “Shouldn't you be in history class?”

We stuttered in a clumsy way. We were saying something and nothing at the same time. That's the kind of stunt we pull whenever a teacher catches us skipping lessons.

“Whatever,” she said without wasting time. “I can only hope you’re ready for a very important task today.”

My eyebrows furrowed slightly. Mrs Whitcombe rarely came to us unless it was serious. I exchanged a glance with Julian. Julian’s eyes were wide, whispering silently, as if asking, What now?

Mrs Whitcombe’s gaze swept over the group slowly, lingering on each of us a bit longer than usual. “We are expecting a very special guest,” she announced.

A very special guest? That phrase alone made my heart skip. Was that an answer to my question?

“As the prefect,” she fixed her gaze on me now. “It is imperative that you prepare a welcome speech. I am counting on you to handle this with the utmost diligence and decorum.”

A welcome speech? For who exactly? Who is this person and why would the principal want a welcome speech in the short notice.

“Who?” The question came out carefully measured, but probing.

Mrs Whitcombe smiled politely, tilting her head slightly. “That, Theo, is a detail that is not yours to know at this moment. Suffice it to say, this visitor deserves our highest regard.” She turned to leave but paused, glancing back. “I trust you understand the importance of discretion.”

I watched her leave but her words remained with me. The air in the room seemed suddenly heavier.

Julian leaned forward, fingers tapping on the edge of the desk. “Discretion is used when it is a very very very important person,” he muttered.

Who could be more important than I am? The question popped into my head.

“She used the same phrase the first day you came to Hillsborough,” Noah said.

“Do you think it’s some kind of royal or… I don’t know… someone from the government?” Julian asked.

Unconsciously, my lips pressed into a thin line. I didn't answer any of their questions. Speculation was dangerous and I can't let them know my thoughts.

“Probably someone with influence,” Noah said. “Someone whose presence alone will remind you that you are just another student.”

“What are you trying to say?” I asked, letting out my confusion.

“Relax Theo,” Julian tapped me on my shoulder. “You are a prince and nothing is going to change that.”

“But if this person is more powerful than your family, you might end up losing the golden boy title,” Noah added.

Irritation rising faster than I could get out of the seat. “Why are we friends again?”

“To tell ourselves the truth,” Julian answered.

“And what's that truth? No one can outshine me, Theo Bellamere.”