The first week at Thornfield University was already proving to be a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, and navigating the massive campus. Zina and Aria had settled into their routines, but the university's sheer size and the number of new faces made every day feel like a new adventure. Thornfield was unlike anything they'd experienced before a world of its own, with its towering stone buildings and sprawling green lawns. The days blended together in a mix of excitement and mild confusion as they tried to find their footing.
It was early afternoon, and the sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, casting long, golden shadows across the quad. Zina and Aria decided to take a break, eager for a moment of quiet amidst the bustling campus. Just as they were about to sit on one of the stone benches near the fountain, a pair of voices approached, echoing through the stillness.
Zina turned, her eyes narrowing as she recognized one of the figures. Kane. His tall, lean frame was unmistakable, and his signature cool demeanor was evident even from a distance. He walked with purpose, his head slightly lowered as he conversed with the guy beside him, who seemed his polar opposite relaxed and easygoing, with an almost playful bounce in his step. The guy's platinum blonde hair caught the afternoon sun, shining as bright as his golden eyes that seemed to sparkle with a hint of mischief.
Zina nudged Aria, who was busy checking her phone, oblivious to the approaching duo. "Isn't that the guy we saw with Kane the other day?"
Aria glanced up, and her eyes immediately locked with those of the blonde guy. A small, almost imperceptible gasp escaped her lips as she quickly averted her gaze. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and Zina noticed the way she fumbled with her phone, clearly caught off guard.
"Hey," the blonde guy greeted them casually as he and Kane closed the distance between them. His voice was warm, inviting, and carried a confidence that immediately put people at ease.
"Hi," Zina replied, her gaze flicking momentarily to Kane. His expression remained as unreadable as ever, but he gave a brief nod in acknowledgment, his gray eyes lingering on her for just a second before looking away.
Aria, still visibly flustered, managed a quiet, "Hello," her voice barely audible. It was clear she wasn't used to this kind of attention.
The blonde guy noticed her reaction and smirked slightly, an amused glint flashing in his eyes. "Exploring the campus?" he asked, though his focus seemed to stay on Aria, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.
"Yeah," Zina answered, attempting to steer the conversation. "This place is amazing. We didn't even know this little spot existed."
The guy chuckled, the sound light and melodic. "It's one of the hidden gems. Not many people come here, so it's a good spot if you want some quiet." He paused, then extended a hand toward Aria, his grin widening as though he found her shyness endearing. "I'm Alex, by the way. And you are?"
For a moment, Aria hesitated, glancing at Zina as if silently asking for guidance. Then, taking a deep breath, she met his gaze and shook his hand. "Aria," she said softly, her voice steadier this time.
"Nice to meet you, Aria," Alex replied smoothly, holding her hand just a fraction longer than necessary before finally letting go. The lingering touch didn't go unnoticed, and Aria's face flushed again. "And you are?" he added, turning to Zina.
"Zina," she said with a friendly smile. She couldn't help but feel a bit amused at the way Alex's presence had completely flustered Aria, who was normally so composed.
"And you're Kane," Zina added, her eyes shifting to the gray-eyed senior. It wasn't so much a question as it was a statement. She already knew who he was, but the words slipped out nonetheless.
Kane gave a curt nod. "Yeah," he said simply, his tone clipped and direct, as though the conversation wasn't something he particularly cared for.
Alex raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "You two have met?" he asked, glancing between Kane and Zina.
"Yeah," Zina said, "a brief encounter at the party." She didn't elaborate, but a part of her couldn't help but recall that moment the way Kane had barely acknowledged her then too, as though he was always holding people at arm's length.
Alex, ever the playful one, gave a mischievous grin. "Anyway," he said, changing the subject, "Jade is hosting a party tonight. Should be interesting. You two should come. Who knows? You might even enjoy it."
Aria opened her mouth, likely about to politely decline, but Alex cut her off with a grin that was impossible to resist. "Don't worry, Aria. I promise I won't drag you onto the dance floor… unless you want to, of course."
Her blush deepened, and this time she looked down at her shoes, clearly embarrassed. Zina couldn't hold back a soft laugh, watching her friend flounder under Alex's teasing. Aria was never this thrown off, and it was amusing to see her so flustered.
Kane, who had been silent for most of the exchange, finally spoke up, his voice low and firm. "We should get going, Alex. We've got some things to take care of." There was something in his tone, a kind of finality, that made it clear the conversation was over.
Alex winked at Aria before turning back to Kane. "Alright, alright. We'll see you around, then."
As Kane and Alex walked away, their figures disappearing into the distance, Zina turned to Aria with a teasing smile. "You handled that well."
Aria gave her a look, half-amused, half-exasperated. "You call that handling? I barely kept it together."
Zina laughed, nudging her playfully. "True. You were as easy to read as an open book. But hey, at least it was entertaining!"
Aria groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Not helping, Zina. Not helping at all."