The noise of excitement lingered as the students filled the classroom, their voices a mix of laughter, gossips and the first day jitters as the third year students eager to embrace their final year at Capital Academy.
Hiraya sat beside the window at the last row, her gaze drifting outside. The morning light filtered through the tress.
Beside her sat Chen Mei, while Lin Jing and Sun Yi sat in front of her as they chatted quietly, their cheerful banter blending into the background.
Stella entered the classroom through the front door, her presence drawing immediate attention.
She wore her usual bright smile, her delicate features framed by perfectly waves of hair. She waved at a small group of classmates near the door as she greeted them cheerfully.
"Good morning, everyone!" - Stella said, her tone sweet and warm.
Several students responded smiling as she passed.
"Good morning Stella. You look amazing as always." - one of the girl's said
"Thank you. You all also look great. Let's work hard this year."
Stella paused briefly at the teacher's desk, her expression softening into a picture of politeness.
"Good Morning, Miss Liu." - Stella said, her voice filled with sincerity.
"I'm so happy that your still our class adviser this year. I'll do my best this year."
Miss Liu looked up, her stern face relaxing into smile. "Good Morning, Stella. I'm glad to see your enthusiasm. Keep up the good attitude."
Hiraya watched the scene unfold with a faint smirk. Stella's act was flawless, every word and gesture crafted to project innocence and humility. It was a scene that Hiraya had witnessed countless times in their past life.
Back then, she had dismissed it, too focused on her own path to care about her. But now, its different. Hiraya knew better than anyone that behind that mask was a calculating jealous person.
"What is wrong with your sister? It's only the first day of school year, yet she is already trying hard to be liked." - Chen Mei said to Hiraya in a voice enough for the other two in front to hear.
While Sun Yi leaned closer and said. "She still did not give up trying to overshadow you?"
"Well, good luck to her. Anyway, I don't know why others couldn't see the real intention of Stella." - Ling Jin said
Hiraya just shrugged.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of knocking in the door as they all look at the front door as a new unfamiliar figure stepped in.
The young man who entered wasn't particularly imposing. His movements unhurried and refined. His face was calm and have a gentle expression frmaed by the neatly combed black hair, and his dark eyes held a hint of curiosity as they scanned the room.
"You must be our transfer student. Please introduce yourself" Miss Liu said as she stood up.
The young man nooded politely before turning to the class.
"Good morning. My name is Wen Su. I look forward studying with you all." - His voice steady and pleasant.
A ripple of whispers ran through the class as students took in his appearance. 180cm tall, slender build, long legs and handsome face. He seem approachable, and he have this gentle and refined air around him. In short, he seemds like a boy who likes to spend his time studying than playing.
Miss Liu gestured to an empty desk in the last row near the back door. "There's a seat there. Please take it and welcome to Capital Academy."
"Thank You." - Wen Su said with a polite nod.
As he made his way to his set, he passed Stella who is sitting in the middle row same line as him.
"Welcome, Wen Su." - Stella said softly, her tone filled with warmth.
"If you need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Wen Su pasued briefly, his lowered eyes meeting hers.
"Thank You. I'll keep that in mind." - Wen Su said with a faint smile
Stella's cheek tinged with a faint blush as he walked past, her gaze lingering on him as he took his seat.
From her own seat, Hiraya observed their interaction as she couldn't help but narrow her eyes slightly. In their previous life, she had been vaguely aware of Stella's affection for Wen Su. It had been hard to miss the way that Stella always found excuses to be near him, the way her voice softened when she spoke to him.
At that time, Hiraya already notice that Wen Su is not gentle and kind that he always potrayed to be, but since she had been too focused on building her empire, she didn't pay attention to it anymore since their parents already warn Stella to stay away from Wen Su.
Hiraya tapped her right forefinger in her desk table as she thought about the past.
Wen Su difitemtely knew about Stella's feelings for him but he always pretended that he didn't know as he always been polite and keeping her at arms length while maintining the illusion of kindness. Gentle, calm, and considerate on the surface but cunning underneath.
Thinking of the past, Hiraya couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She is sure that Wen Su have no interest in Stella, not romantically at least. But…
'Knowing that Stella likes him, Wen Su will surely use her like in the past life, and she doesn't even realize it.' Hiraya thought as she surpresed a faint smirk.
She will not stop them. At least, she will let Stella be happy as she basked in the warmth of Wen Su's polite smiles and meaningless gestures, so that when she realize that Wen Su is just using her, she will be more sadder.