The next day at Hera Academy, the cafeteria buzzed with the usual din of voices, clattering trays, and the scent of gourmet meals wafting through the air. Students sat at their designated tables, eyes flickering between their friends and the latest gossip. However, an unusual silence fell over the room when Felix Riether entered. His presence was magnetic, instantly commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
With an air of confidence, Felix strode in, his sharp suit emphasizing his status as the heir to the Hera empire. As he approached the long table where Faerie sat with her friend Sunny, whispers began to ripple through the crowd. Both girls turned their heads in unison, their mouths agape in shock at his unexpected appearance.
Felix slid into the seat across from Faerie, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "So, darling, miss me?" he teased, leaning forward as if they were in on a private joke.
Faerie kept her gaze firmly fixed on her plate, pushing around the colorful vegetables on her tray. She could feel Sunny's eyes darting between her and Felix, the latter's presence sparking a mix of intrigue and amusement in the atmosphere.
"Okay, ignore me again," Felix continued, his tone light but a hint of seriousness creeping in. He shifted in his seat, then suddenly stood up, gathering everyone's attention. "But I'm here to tell everybody something."
The cafeteria hushed, eager anticipation electrifying the air. Felix stood tall, his charismatic aura drawing everyone's eyes to him as if he were about to unveil a grand secret. "Listen, everybody," he began, his voice rising above the quiet hum. "From now on, Faerie is my girlfriend. She's my love, and my everyth—"
Before he could finish, Faerie sprang to her feet, her heart racing. "What's that? What's that, Felix?" she interjected, her voice louder than intended, cutting through the silence like a knife.
The cafeteria erupted into a frenzy of whispers and gasps, students leaning in to catch every word. Sunny's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement painted across her face. Faerie's stomach twisted with a mix of embarrassment and confusion, and she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks.
Felix looked momentarily taken aback by her interruption, but then a playful grin spread across his face. "You know, just telling everyone how much I adore you," he said, feigning innocence as he leaned casually against the table.
"Felix, you can't just say things like that in front of everyone!" Faerie exclaimed, her voice tinged with both irritation and disbelief. "This isn't a joke!"
"Oh, but it is!" Felix replied, his tone teasing. "I thought we were having fun. Isn't that what you wanted? To shake things up a bit?"
Faerie glared at him, a mixture of frustration and bewilderment swirling within her. "This isn't funny. You're making a scene!" she hissed, glancing around to see students recording the moment on their phones, their faces lit up with excitement. "You don't get to decide for me!"
Felix shrugged, his confidence unwavering. "Well, too late for that. You're already my girlfriend in the eyes of everyone here. So, how about you smile and play along?" He stepped closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "After all, isn't it nice to be wanted?"
Faerie felt her heart race, caught between wanting to maintain her composure and the undeniable pull of Felix's charm. "This is absurd!" she shot back, crossing her arms defiantly.
"Absurd? Maybe. But it's also a power move," Felix countered, his tone dropping slightly, turning more serious. "If you want to navigate this world, you need to show them you're not just a nobody. You need to establish your presence. And what better way than with me?"
His words struck a chord with Faerie. Deep down, she knew he was right. Being associated with someone as powerful as Felix could elevate her status at Hera. But the way he was doing it—publicly claiming her without her consent—felt wrong.
Before she could respond, Sunny piped up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, I think this is kind of romantic. Isn't it a fairy tale moment? The rich prince claiming his princess in front of everyone?"
Faerie shot her a glare, but Sunny merely grinned, clearly enjoying the spectacle unfolding before them. Felix seemed to relish the attention, his smile growing wider as he basked in the moment.
"See? Everyone loves it!" he said, throwing his arms out theatrically. "Why fight it? Let's give them a show."
Faerie sighed, feeling trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. She didn't want to admit it, but part of her craved the excitement, the attention. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was all a game to Felix, one that she wasn't entirely comfortable playing.
"Fine," she relented, her voice firm. "I'll play along. But this doesn't mean you can just go around making decisions for me. Got it?"
Felix's grin softened, and he nodded, a flicker of genuine respect in his eyes. "Understood. But I'm not going to let you sit there looking all sour when we can be the power couple of Hera. So, let's make this work."
With that, he extended his hand toward her, and after a brief hesitation, Faerie placed her hand in his. The cafeteria erupted into cheers and applause, the moment solidifying their new status in the eyes of their peers.
As the noise faded into the background, Faerie felt a rush of adrenaline mixed with anxiety. The path ahead was uncertain, but she couldn't deny that Felix's bold move had shifted the dynamics around her. Whether she liked it or not, she was now part of the game—and she intended to play it her way.
In that moment, with Felix's hand enveloping hers, Faerie realized that her life at Hera Academy was about to take a turn she never expected, and she had to be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.