Kai and Seraphina found solace in the academy garden, tucked away from the bustle of the school. They sat together on an old wooden bench beneath a canopy of blossoming trees. The sun filtered through the leaves, casting a warm glow around them. Seraphina was gently running her fingers through Kai's hair, soothing him as he lay stretched across the bench with his head resting on her lap, eyes closed in relaxation.
"If you weren't here…" Kai murmured, his eyes fluttering open to gaze up at her, "I don't know what would happen to me."
Seraphina smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "That, my beloved," she whispered, her tone soft and filled with warmth, "is exactly why I am here. I'd never leave you, Kai."
He reached up, taking her hand in his, pressing a gentle kiss against her knuckles. For a while, they stayed in that peaceful moment, lost in each other's presence, unaware of anything else. It was as if the world had melted away, leaving only the two of them in their little haven.
The peace continued into the classroom the next day, as they sat together at their desks, leaning close and exchanging quiet, loving words. Kai found himself stealing glances at Seraphina, smiling whenever their eyes met. But their tender moment was interrupted when their teacher entered the room with a mysterious announcement.
"Class, please welcome our new transfer student," the teacher said with a faint smile. "Xavier Lightheart."
Kai's head shot up, his eyes narrowing in an instant. The name struck a chord deep within him—an elite member of Dragon Morach, the very syndicate that had long caused him trouble. Xavier entered the classroom with a quiet confidence, his striking features framed by sharp silver hair and intense, calculating eyes that surveyed the room.
Kai clenched his fists beneath the desk, watching Xavier's every move. He knew instantly that Xavier was no ordinary student. A chill went down his spine as he considered the possibility: Is he the anti-villain? Someone here to stir chaos yet again?
As Xavier introduced himself, his gaze landed on Seraphina, lingering just a moment too long. A dangerous gleam flickered in Kai's eyes as he watched, every nerve on high alert. Xavier's lips curved in a subtle, knowing smile, as if he could already sense the tension his mere presence was creating.
"Nice to meet you all," Xavier said, his voice smooth and unbothered. He swept his eyes across the classroom but let his gaze settle on Seraphina. "I'm looking forward to… learning more about everyone here."
Kai could feel a low growl building within him, though he kept his expression neutral. Stay calm, Kai. Keep your focus, he reminded himself. Yet his protective instincts flared up as he observed Xavier's interest in Seraphina.
But something else was brewing—a shift Kai hadn't foreseen. While his initial suspicions led him to believe Xavier might target the female protagonist, he now noticed Xavier's attention wasn't directed at her, but at Seraphina.
As the days passed, Xavier grew bolder, often catching Seraphina's eye, flashing a daring smile whenever he sensed Kai watching. The rivalry was silent, intense, and left Kai both furious and on edge. Despite the love that bloomed between him and Seraphina, Xavier's presence was a constant, unsettling shadow.
Kai turned to Seraphina one evening, as they sat together in the garden, his hand holding hers tightly. "I don't trust him, Seraphina," he said, his tone serious. "There's something dangerous about him."
She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Then we'll face it together, Kai," she replied with unwavering confidence. "No one could ever come between us."
Kai nodded, though the thought of Xavier's presence continued to linger. He knew he'd have to remain vigilant—and that his love for Seraphina would only be tested further with Xavier's arrival.