At Luxford Academy, the elite boarding school for the ultra-rich, Adriana and Nicholas have been bitter rivals since childhood. Forced to live in the same dorm, their once-friendly pranks have escalated into daily clashes-sharp insults, constant bic...
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The gym is packed, the bleachers filled with students all slumped in various states of boredom. We're all crammed into the same row—me, Nick, Dio, Matteo, Lia, Theo, Rora, and Drew—just waiting for this assembly to be over. Mr. Matthews is droning on about some new school policy, his voice echoing through the speakers like a dull buzz that no one's really listening to.
Nick sits next to me, his face the usual calm, stoic mask that he wears everywhere. But his fingers are busy, gently fiddling with mine, tracing little patterns like he always does when he's bored or just wants to feel close. It's subtle, almost absent-minded, but it's our thing, and it makes this whole assembly slightly more bearable.
Dio, on the other side of Matteo, is whispering something, her voice just loud enough to catch the words "sex ed" and "so boring." Matteo rolls his eyes but can't hide the amused smile tugging at his lips. He's trying to keep Dio from getting too loud, but honestly, I think he loves the chaos she brings. Dio catches my eye and grins, like she's daring me to laugh along with whatever inappropriate commentary she's got going on.
Lia's on the far end with Theo, who's fidgeting like he's had three cans of energy drink before showing up. He's whispering something animatedly, gesturing with his hands, while Lia just nods along, her expression polite but clearly elsewhere. She's always trying to keep up with Theo's energy, but it's obvious she's just biding her time until she can escape his latest scheme.
Next to them, Rora is perched like she's on a runway, perfectly poised and barely paying attention to anything other than her nails. Drew sits beside her, his eyes on the stage but with this calm, unreadable look. He's always like that—watching, taking in everything, but never giving much away. Sometimes I wonder what he's really thinking, but Drew's not one to just spill his thoughts.
Mr. Matthews keeps talking, now onto something about dress code violations. "...and we expect all students to adhere to these guidelines. It's about respect for yourselves and your peers." His voice is this monotonous hum, and I can't help but roll my eyes.
Nick's fingers tighten slightly around mine, pulling me back into the moment. I glance at him, and his eyes meet mine, the faintest hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Riveting, right?" I whisper sarcastically, leaning in just enough so only he can hear.
Nick gives a small shrug, the corners of his lips twitching up. "Highlight of the week."
"Couldn't ask for a better way to spend a Tuesday," I shoot back, and he squeezes my hand, his touch firm but familiar.
Rora leans over, her eyes flicking between me and the stage. "If they mention shoes one more time, I'm leaving," she mutters under her breath, and Drew just nods, still staring ahead like he's actually paying attention.
Dio's voice cuts through again, louder this time. "I mean, who cares if your skirt is an inch too short? It's not like we're at a convent." Matteo nudges her, but she just laughs, leaning back with a satisfied look.
