Rowaelin (Highschool AU)

Rival

Aelin felt sweat cling to her as she continued her morning workout. She knew she would feel the consequences later, but for now, she tried to focus only on the pounding of her heart in her chest.

Aelin knew the gym was open to anyone, as it was public, but felt as though she were the only one there.

Suddenly, she heard the door know rattle as someone walked through the doorway.

A strong, white-haired male walked in, a towel draped across his shoulders. Aelin could see his muscular back and a tattoo leading up to his face. And yes, he was slightly attractive.

Aelin felt herself blush from the intensity of the workout and looked up to give a further inspection. He was around the same age and had carefully sculpted a mask of indifference on his face.

But Aelin felt the need to break the silence and spoke up, surprising the male.

"You come here often?" The male's face remained cold, but his eyes gave her an annoyed look. He simply grunted, a low, deep sound, like the rolling of thunder, and continued to start doing sit-ups.

Aelin gave him an exaggerated eye roll that said it all.

I hope I don't have to go to school with him...

. . .

Ten minutes later, Aelin found herself sitting across from him. Rowan Whitethorn. The name felt foreign on her tongue, but sweet all the same.

She was inticed to try it out, if not for all the students around her. Luckily, the two boys in front of her were more than willing to chat.

The boy called Dorian gave her a flirtatious wink, and Aelin gave him a wicked smile. Dorian's smile grew wider, even as his companion, Chaol, reminded him once again to pay attention.

"Let me remind you, the student with the highest score is going to be given the chance for a weekend trip to the Wendyln fair!" Cheers arupted in the classroom, and even Rowan's mouth curled up. "And now, for the final test scores..."Mr. Darrow spoke in a loud voice, like booming thunder. Aelin still has conflicted feelings about this teacher.

Aelin squared her shoulders. The professor had always read the highest score aloud in her old school, and Aelin had always gotten the highest score. Alaways. The trip was new, though. not that Aelin was complaining.

"Well... it looks like we have a tie..."Aelin's confidence wavered for a second before returning. She wouldn't mind spending a weekend with Dorian. Not at all.

"Rowan and Celaena, each with one hundred percent, please step up here." Aelin's face drained in color. She probably looked like a ghost.

To be fair, she didn't know Rowan that well, but from her impression before, she wasn't going to like him.

She looked over to see Whitethorn's composure slip, just for a moment. He wasn't mad. He was livid. But his mask slid back on, and he stood up to receive his award.

Aelin herself was a but shaken but refused to let her composure slip. She gave a bright smile instead and headed up to the teacher's desk to receive her award.

How can Rowan Rutting Whitethorn compare with me?!

She looked over at him again, only to see him staring in the other direction. He wasn't bad looking, Aelin had to admit, with ruffled white hair and a strong back.

But still - Aelin didn't like him one bit.

Aelin turned and felt his eyes bore into her skull. Her mouth twisted into a smirk. She turned to look him in the eye. If glares could kill, she would have been dead. Very, very dead.

But he didn't know her skills. If he thought he could scare her with a glare, he was wrong. Aelin had suffered worse and bore the scars to prove it.

So she gave him a wicked grin in return. They seemed to have a silent conversation.

I'm going to kill you, Sardothien.

I'd like to see you try.

Just you wait...

Rowan was cut off by the glare of the teacher.

Aelin just winked at the angry male. She swore she saw a faint blush on his cheeks, which made her grin even wider.

He quickly returned to scowling, but Aelin stored his reaction on her mind, determined to make him embarrassed like he'll over it.

She quickly shook the teacher's hand before returning to her desk.

Aelin swore she felt eyes watch her the rest of the class though.