Amira's about to leave the room, carrying her outfits with her. But she stops at the door.
" Oh, just one thing. If someone knocks on the door when I'm not here, don't let them in."
Without waiting for Kiran's response, she leaves and closes the door behind her.
Huh, that was weird. But maybe this is what all rich people's universities are like?
Kiran rifle through her suitcase, searching for passable party outfits. Suddenly, Kiran hears a loud knock at the door.
" Amira's back already?
I should call out for Amira.
Amira, is that you? "
Nothing but crickets.
Kiran creeps to the door, about to open it when she sees a piece of paper slipped under. Curious, she bends down to pick up the note. She read out loud.
" Leave Eliter tonight or pay the price. "
Someone's threatening me!
Kiran's skin prickles with fear. Kiran turns toward her door with trepidation. Whoever left this is probably long gone by now, but it doesn't hurt to check.
As she opens the door, her eyes are immediately drawn to the black boots entering the room. A second later, she trips and goes flying into someone's arms. Familiar ice-blue eyes blink at her.
" I can't tell if you're clumsy or you just like falling into my arms. "
" Hadyan? "
He releases Kiran abruptly, almost as if Kiran's touch pains him. Kiran stumbles backwards. " Please don't touch me. "
" I wasn't trying to, but... sure. What are you doing here?
" I'm here for the kick-off party tonight. "
" Your sisters already invited me. "
" I think you misunderstand me, Lea Kinandita. I'm not inviting you. I'm telling you. You will be coming to the party... as my plus one. "
Did he just... ask me out?
Hadyan, Elite's resident bad boy, has just invited Lea to the kick-off party as his date. Hadyan raises his eyebrows, waiting for an answer.
"Yes? "
I can't believe he just asked me out.
"Why would you ask me out? "
"Why wouldn't I? "
"Because you called me farm girl in front of your friends "
"First, they're not my friends. Secondly, who said I don't like farm girls? "
Lea searches his face for clues, but those eyes give nothing away. "I'm going to the party anyway. I'll just see you there "
There. I didn't say yes or no.
"I suppose you will "
"If you're asking me out, I assume you're not the one who left the note, then? "
"What note? "
Lea started to answer but stop quickly. She spidey senses are tingling.
Maybe it's better if I don't say anything. "Never mind "
"I say so, farm girl "he offers his hand for her to shake. But before she can, he slaps a glove on.
"Germs, you understand "Lea stared, uncomprehending. But he just winks and uses his gloved hand to pull her closer.
"Before I leave, I did promise to tell you the rules, Lea "
Those damn rules again, "Yes, the rules. But first, why are you wearing a glove? "
Hadyan's grin grows even wider, "We'll get to that "
"As part of the rules, you mean? "Hadyan smirks. He leans in whispering in her ear.
"You don't like rules, do you, farm girl? "he's not touching Lea, but she shivers involuntarily.
"I don't think anyone is a fan of rules "
"Well, I am. And rules number 1 at Elite, no speaking to the Elect unless you've been asked to speak "
"Well... "
"You're an impatient one, aren't you, Lea? "
"It's Lea again, now? Not farm girl "
"It depends on my mood, farm girl "
"But -- "
"No interrupting. You're already breaking the first rule. And we need to move on "She struggles to hold her tongue.
"Rule number two. No eye contact with the Elect, even when you're speaking to them "Hadyan makes eye contact with Lea, daring her to look away.
"Do you have to follow these rules, too? "Hadyan doesn't answer.
"Rul number three. No touching the Elect. Ever "he lifts his gloved hand, waving it in her face.
"Hence, the glove "
"Why should I follow any of these rules? "
"Because they are the Elect's rules. Are you done interrupting me? "She nodded.
"Go on then. Tell me about the Elect "
"The Elect runs the school "
"And …"
"… and I'm the leader of the Elect "Hadyan's penetrating gaze makes her feel as though herself having a panic attack.
"You're the leader of the Elect? "
"The one and only "
Now I know why everyone is so deferential to him.
"Who started the Elect? Why do they exist? Did you get voted in as the leader -- "
"You just can't stop breaking the rules, can you? I told you. No talking unless I ask you a question. There's one final rule "he hands her a Metallic Blue Access Key Card.
"You have to earn the right to use what we have "
"What do you mean, 'earn the right'? "
"The pools, the weight rooms, your food. Everything needs this key card "
"Why would I need it for food? "
"Right now, this card gains you access into the cafeteria, twice a day. Not three times "
"Excuse me? "
" We don't want you eating away your feelings, do we? "Lea glared at him, horrified. She purses her lips but keeps quiet. Hadyan nods approvingly.
"If you use the card wisely and impress me, I may just up your freedom. Until then, step aside "Lea realizes she has blocked the dorm room's exit. She freezes, uncertain. Hadyan scowls at her.
"Move aside "she reacts with instinct and pushes back against his chest. "Did you just touch me? "
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to "
"You didn't mean to? "
"You threatened me "
"I was trying to protect you "
"Protect me? Protect me from what? "Hadyan's guard quickly comes back up.
"Are you always this nosy? "
"But even nosy people know when to give up the fight "tired of back-and-forth, she finally just opens the door for him. He takes one look outside the room and stops.
"Oh no… "he quickly slams the door shut, a hint of fear in his eyes. From the other side of the door, we hear Amira shouting.
"Hadyan, open the damn door! "
Hadyan casts his gaze around her room, looking for an escape route. "Hadyan, she's your sister. She won't bite "
"You don't know my sister "
He finally sees her window. He races toward it and jumps out into the courtyard. She yelped in fright and rushed to the window. She sees Hadyan looking up from the group, unharmed. He waves at her, laughing.
"Hadyan! What are you doing? "Instead of answering, he blows Lea a kiss and runs away.
"Did my brother just jump out of the window? "
" He did. Is that normal? "
"As normal as Hadyan gets, I suppose ". Amira shakes her head at Hadyan's antics.
"Ready to get dressed? "
"As ready as I'll ever be "
"I guess that'll do "
Lea and Amira arrive at the party, "finally. I'm in my element "
The hall is packed with students, the air crackling with excitement. "Come on, Lea. Let's show my brother what a complete loser he is. "
"Oh, I don't know about that "
A moment later, Lea sees Hadyan holding court, dressed to the nines and surrounded by his sycophants. He notices her immediately, his eyes draw into her like a magnet. Lea smiled at him. He grins back, making his way over to her.
"Nice work Amira. Lea finally looks like she belongs here ".
"She does belong here "
"Does she? She won a silly contest "he turns to Lea, daring Lea to contradict him.
"At least I earned the right to be here. I bet you just had it handed to you "
"I'd rather be a trust fund baby than a charity case, Lea "
Leaving her seething with anger, Hadyan makes his way to the podium stand. The crowd cheers.