CHAPTER 9 Sienna's POV As Jason settles into his seat, heads turn to look at him. His dark hair is artfully messy, like he just rolled out of bed, and his deep brown eyes lock onto mine. For a moment, it feels like the world has narrowed to just the two of us. Then his entourage arrives. Friends might be a bit of a stretch—it's more of a mix of fans, groupies, and opportunists. But I can't judge them. He's magnetic. Anyone with eyes can see he's destined for greatness. He's like the sun, and we all bask in his attention and warmth. Someone engages him in conversation, and our eye contact breaks. I turn my focus back to Damien. "…I know it might be a stretch, but I definitely think we can pull off a breakdance battle version of Caesar." I choke on my water. "What?!" A startled laugh escapes me. "You know, like a dance-off," he says, completely serious—except for the twinkle in his eye. "You're insane," I say, still laughing. "It's a brilliant idea," he insists, grinning. I could see it happening… just not with me breakdancing. "No. Never in a million years. I can't even dance," I protest. "I can teach you," he offers. I give him a look that makes him laugh harder. "Okay, okay. But do you have any better ideas?" I think for a second. I don't. But I'm still not breakdancing. "No, but I'll think of one." "Congratulations on your prefectship, by the way." "Oh, thanks," I say with a smile. We keep talking through breakfast, and to my surprise, Damien is really easy to talk to. He's funny, too. I find out he has two younger siblings and a husky named Frosty—a name he regrets choosing as a kid. It's not that I don't have friends—I just don't have a lot of them. Between studying, Jason, and all my extracurriculars, I barely have time for other people. But I have a feeling Damien and I are going to be fast friends—especially since we'll be meeting every week for our project. I'm glad I got a good partner. Though… a tiny part of me had hoped I'd be paired with Jason. As breakfast winds down, I glance at Jason. He's talking to Leilah. A hot rush of jealousy flashes through me before I force it down. They used to hook up. Leilah is gorgeous—tan skin, shiny black hair, a body to die for. They looked perfect together. When they first started, I thought he might actually date her. They were good together—good friends, worked well as a team. But I'm grateful she's dating someone else now. Jason catches my eye, and I send him a small smile. He returns it immediately. Leilah follows his gaze—then raises a brow at me. I pretend I don't see her. Grabbing a bagel and coffee for Naseera, I leave the cafeteria. ---All sporting activities are heavily encouraged, so almost everyone participates in something—swimming, soccer, football. I joined cheerleading. I did gymnastics as a kid and loved it, so cheer seemed like a natural fit. It's a lot more work than I expected, but it's fun. And unlike the way movies portray cheerleaders, the girls on my team are really nice and insanely smart. Cheer is a team sport—you have to trust each other. Over time, I've gotten close to a lot of them. I was still shocked when I was elected vice captain, though. We're hoping to win Nationals this year, so practice has been brutal. I'm wearing basic workout clothes—a crop top and biker shorts. Most of the other girls are dressed similarly. Our captain, Kelly, is strict but cool. She has the fullest afro I've ever seen, and she's an insane dancer. Cheerleading is just for fun to her, but she takes it very seriously. "Okay, girls and guys," she announces, clapping her hands. "Our first competition is in a month, and we will nail this routine before then. Even if some of you drop dead on the way." I groan internally. This is going to hurt. ---By the time practice is over, my entire body aches. Thankfully, the debate meeting was short—just recruiting new members. I skip revision studies, choosing to study in my room instead. Time flies, and before I know it, it's time for the prefects' meeting. I pull on a pair of boyfriend jeans and a cute green crop top that says Next World Leader across the front. Naseera is getting ready too, so we leave together. She's wearing a long, purple bodycon dress with a cardigan, her hair wrapped in a black scarf. As always, she looks like she belongs on a runway. The meeting is in Jason's cottage, which is only a short walk away. For longer distances, the school provides shuttles and public bicycles. ---When we arrive, most people are already there. This is my first time in Jason's cottage—even though he's been to mine. I know he doesn't share it with anyone. But looking around, it's clear that everyone else has been here before. They're all sitting around like it's normal. Casual. Comfortable. A bitter taste settles in my mouth. They've been here without me. Not that Jason would ever purposely single me out. They probably just came to visit him at different times. Still… I hate the feeling that there are parts of his life I don't get to be part of. Jason is way more social than I am. When he's surrounded by people, I feel… distant from him. But I've never had to fight for his attention. And I hope I never do. Because if it came down to it… I'm terrified I'd lose.