Kamsi's eyes swept the hallways, an edge of impatience tugging at her features. "Where the hell did he run off to?" she mumbled under her breath, her gaze darting with sharp intent. She climbed the stairs, her footsteps echoing lightly until she finally spotted him—a familiar shock of blond hair ahead. But he wasn't alone.
Beside Xavier stood the school's most notorious flirt, Patricia Newman, her eyes glittering with unmistakable interest. Kamsi's expression tightened as she watched Patricia lean in closer, brushing a hand over her own hair with a practiced coyness, her gaze fixed on Xavier like he was her next conquest.
Usually, Xavier's sharp eyes would carry that cold glint, his face twisted with irritation whenever anyone dared approach him. But now, as Patricia whispered something into his ear, he seemed… less annoyed. Or maybe he was just hiding it better, masking any hint of boredom with that unreadable smirk. A hint of amusement even flickered across his face as Patricia giggled softly, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers, her gaze locked on him with anticipation.
Kamsi's stomach twisted, an uninvited warmth pooling beneath her ribs, and before she could question it, she turned sharply to leave. But in her haste, she collided into a solid chest. Her head snapped up, words of apology already forming on her lips, but they died as she took in the boy's face.
It was him—the boy she had literally run into her first week here. He looked down at her with a pair of blue eyes that held a soft, quiet charm, his gentle expression making her pulse stutter. His hair fell in slightly disheveled waves, framing his face in a way that softened his already striking features.
Kamsi blinked, her breath catching as she took in the boy in front of her. His face was strikingly beautiful, almost unreal, with a softness that contrasted sharply with the harsh fluorescent lights of the hallway. She found herself staring, her mind momentarily blank. Then, his voice—hoarse but gentle—cut through her thoughts.
"Are you okay?" he asked, a warm smile softening his features. The genuine kindness in his eyes caused a gentle flutter in her chest, and she felt her heart melt just a little.
"Um, yes… yes, I'm fine," she stammered, fumbling over her words as she tried to regain her composure. She gave a slight, nervous smile, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you."
But just as the words left her lips, a strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her firmly to the side. Her breath hitched as she found herself face-to-face with Xavier, his intense gaze locking onto hers, unreadable but filled with something dark and possessive. The light, easy air she'd felt just seconds ago evaporated, replaced by a thick, almost stifling tension that seemed to ripple from Xavier.
Alexander's eyes flickered to Xavier's arm around her, his friendly smile fading as he took in the scene. Kamsi could feel the weight of both their gazes on her, her pulse quickening as she sensed the silent exchange between them. The easy warmth of a moment ago was gone, replaced by an energy that was both thrilling and terrifying
Patricia's jaw dropped as Xavier moved from her side with startling speed, his hand reaching out to pull Kamsi close to him in a way that left her utterly stunned. She blinked, struggling to believe her eyes. Then her gaze shifted to the figure standing across from them, and her expression tightened. Was that… Alexander? Unbelievable. After so long, he was back. But for what purpose, she couldn't help but wonder.
In front of her, Xavier and Alexander stood locked in a fierce standoff, their stares like sharpened blades aiming straight at each other, as though they could tear through each other's defenses with a single look. The tension between them was thick, radiating hostility that seemed to pulse in the silence.
Just then, Damon and Gilbert appeared, breaking into wide, welcoming grins as they spotted their friend. Unlike Xavier's intense glare, they greeted Alexander with warmth, a striking contrast that made Xavier's seething hostility stand out even more.
"Yo, Alexander the Great!" Damon called out, his grin broad and genuine as he moved forward and clasped Alexander's hand, pulling him in for a friendly shoulder bump.
"Damon, the demon of all ladies," Alexander replied, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
Damon chuckled, tapping his chest with mock pride. "What can I say? I've got to give them what they want."
Gilbert stepped in, clasping Alexander on the shoulder with an easy smile. "Brother, where the hell have you been? Months with no sign of you," he said, shaking his head with an affectionate chuckle.
Alexander's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Gil, I've heard about your scores—seems like you're reaching new heights."
Gilbert shrugged modestly, though he couldn't hide his smile. "A man's got to do what a man's got to do."
For a moment, their laughter softened the tense atmosphere, but as soon as the greetings faded, the tension seeped back in, sharper than before. Xavier's glare had only intensified, his gaze fixed on Alexander like a challenge he was determined not to lose.
Trying to ease the tension, Alexander's smile softened as he looked at Xavier and said quietly, "Xavi—"
"Shut the hell up," Xavier cut him off, his voice low and venomous. Without another word, he turned and pulled Kamsi along with him, his grip firm—almost unyielding. She winced, feeling his fingers press harder against her arm as if he were channeling all his anger through his touch.
Alexander's expression darkened, his gaze shifting to Kamsi's arm with concern. "Xavier, let her go. You're hurting her," he said, his voice calm but with a hard edge.
Xavier's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching as he replied, "That's not your damn business," though he eased his grip just enough for Kamsi to let out a small, relieved breath.
Alexander held his gaze, his own expression sharpening as he raised an eyebrow in challenge. "And why is that?"
Xavier's answer was swift, his voice dropping to a possessive, almost dangerous tone. "Because she's mine."