CHAPTER 5
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With their dramatic arrival at Artemis College, it felt like a scene ripped straight from an action movie. If it were a film, that moment would have been shot in slow motion — the rumble of engines, the sharp screech of tires, and an air of danger trailing behind them like shadows.
The way they sped into the parking lot and skillfully parked their bikes drew countless eyes. Students gawked, whispering amongst themselves, as the duo exuded an effortless blend of cool rebellion and unshakable confidence. There was something undeniably magnetic about them, like stars that had fallen from the sky and landed on campus.
With practiced ease, they removed their helmets, shaking out their hair as though freeing themselves from confinement.
Christine, in her fiery red ensemble, looked like a goddess draped in crimson. Her long, red hair, tied in a high ponytail, glowed like flames under the morning sun, perfectly complementing her cinnamon-brown eyes. She moved with the grace of a runway model, alluring and untouchable, effortlessly capturing the attention of every guy in the vicinity.
Dune, on the other hand, was a vision of contradiction. His striking white hair, gathered into a low bun, and his pink-red eyes were an ethereal contrast to his all-black outfit. He wore a black hoodie layered under a black jean jacket, paired with ripped black jeans and white-and-black Nike Jordans. His appearance was hauntingly beautiful, like a porcelain doll dressed for war.
He didn't just look pretty — he looked dangerous. They both did, the aura surrounding them was unnoticeable.
But for Dune, the cold distant aura he radiated kept people at bay, but that only made him more intriguing. Some students thought he was a delicate flower trying to act tough, while others saw him as a mystery wrapped in thorns, daring people to get close. But in reality he was simply just naive. But not so naive to not know that any slip could mean he was done for.
Of course, attention wasn't always a good thing. Jealousy festered quickly, especially toward Christine.
They exchanged glances, confusion flickering across their faces as they silently acknowledged the sea of stares.
They didn't want attention — but what could they do? There simply was no backing out.
Even some of the lecturers in the vicinity couldn't help but pause. There was an unmistakable air of nobility around the two newcomers, a sense of power lurking beneath their youthful appearances. Yet, there was still an innocence to them, the kind that made them seem like children playing a dangerous game.
As they walked toward the director's office to collect their schedules, they couldn't ignore the hushed voices trailing behind them.
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"Woah, she's stunning."
"He's even prettier. If he dressed as a girl, you wouldn't even notice."
"He looks like a porcelain doll…"
"Eye candy."
"Maybe they're just beauty without brains?"
"What if they're dating?"
"I hope not. I'll die."
"Ugh, he's probably a sissy."
"Prettier than our queen bee."
"They look like trouble…"
"They look like royalty."
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Christine scoffed, her lips curling into a wicked smirk as she muttered under her breath.
"At least I'm better looking than their entire family combined."
Dune burst out laughing, his voice echoing through the corridor.
"Why the hell are you laughing? They're badmouthing us!" Christine snapped, puffing her cheeks like an angry child.
"And yet you sound like a kid who just found out the amusement park burned down," Dune teased, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.
Christine crossed her arms, pouting.
"I only said the truth."
"Yeah, yeah. Thou goddess of beauty, shall we now proceed to the director's office? Lest we be late on our first day of college? Remember you do not want to be cursed with bad luck on your first day." Dune dramatically bowed, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Christine, never one to back down, placed her hand on her chest as though accepting a crown.
"My dear underling, knowest thou not that I dare not allow tardiness to stain my record? We must make a flawless first impression."
Dune grinned, tilting his head.
"Oh yes, thy royal highness. Thou must conceal thy pestiferous attitude, lest thy prince charming be repelled."
Her eye twitched.
"What damn attitude are you talking about?"
Dune shrugged, a devilish glint in his eyes.
"I mean, you do need to make a second good impression, seeing as the first one was… well you know a complete freaking disaster with three exclamation marks.
Christine opened her mouth to argue, but no words came out. She snapped her mouth shut, glaring daggers at Dune, who only cackled like a madman.
Just as they arrived at the director's door, their bickering ceased. In unison, they both muttered under their breaths:
"College life begins."
Without hesitation, pushing the door open they both stepped inside.
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