"Love's unfolding mystery."

CHAPTER 1

START

ARRIVAL OF A RIVAL

Luna Naiomi Dela Verra walked down the crowded school hallway, her head held high, a light smile on her lips. The familiar sound of her shoes clicking against the tiled floor was almost a comfort. She was the girl who had everything figured out—the top student, president of the student council, and the envy of nearly everyone in Estrella Heights Academy. To them, she was untouchable.

She clutched her notebook close to her chest, its pages filled with short stories, ideas, and reminders of her next competition. Her reputation wasn’t just based on her grades, after all. Luna was known for being the best at everything. And she liked it that way. Being perfect was her armor, and she wore it with pride.

In her mind, today would be just like any other. A new school year meant new challenges, but none that she couldn't overcome. That was until he showed up.

---

The first thing she noticed when she entered the classroom was the buzz of whispers. Her usual seat by the window was empty, but something—someone—caught her attention before she sat down. A boy, tall with tousled black hair and an air of cool indifference, leaned against the wall near the teacher’s desk.

Xallvien.

“Who’s that?” she heard a girl whisper to her friend.

“No idea. I think he’s the new guy everyone’s talking about.”

Luna barely paid attention to new students. They came and went, blending into the background like they never mattered. But something about Xallvien stood out. He didn’t look nervous like most transfers did on their first day. Instead, he looked… confident. Almost too confident.

The teacher clapped her hands to get the class's attention. “Everyone, meet Xallvien Cruz. He’s new to Estrella Heights, but I expect you all to treat him with the same respect you give your fellow students.”

Xallvien met Luna’s eyes as the teacher spoke. He didn’t smile or nod like the others when they noticed her, recognizing her as the top student. Instead, his gaze lingered just long enough to make her feel uneasy. A challenge, silent but unmistakable.

Luna narrowed her eyes. This one was different.

Luna had never felt this kind of unease before. There was something unsettling about the way Xallvien carried himself. It wasn’t just his confidence—it was the way he seemed to fit in so effortlessly, like he had been there all along. But there was no time to dwell on it. The teacher, Mrs. Castille, was already moving on with the lesson.

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Mrs. Castille, known for her strict approach, always liked to test students early. As soon as she began writing a complex math problem on the board, the entire room went silent. Luna straightened in her seat, her competitive edge kicking in. She was always first.

“Who can solve this?” Mrs. Castille asked, her tone daring anyone to try.

Luna’s hand shot up, her eyes on the board. It was a tricky equation, but she already knew the answer. She was about to speak when—

“Xallvien?” Mrs. Castille called out, her voice filled with surprise.

What? Luna’s hand was still in the air. How had Xallvien beaten her to it? She looked over to see him leaning back in his chair, casual but confident.

Xallvien stood up and walked to the board. Without a word, he picked up the marker and solved the equation swiftly, adding a final flourish with the answer circled. He didn’t look back at Luna. He didn’t have to.

Luna’s hand slowly dropped to her side, her chest tightening. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had beaten her in answering a question.

“Very impressive, Xallvien,” Mrs. Castille said, clearly pleased. “Luna, I assume you had the same solution?”

Luna forced a smile and nodded, though her mind was racing. She had been caught off guard, but this was just one question. One slip. It didn’t mean anything.

---

Scene: The Aftermath - Unspoken Rivalry

After class, Luna was quick to gather her things, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration and determination. She made her way to the library, the one place she could think clearly.

As she sat down to study, she felt someone approach. Glancing up, she was met with Xallvien’s sharp gaze.

“Nice try in class,” he said, his voice low but playful.

Luna raised an eyebrow. “Nice try? I had the same answer.”

Xallvien smirked, leaning in a little. “But I said it first.”

For a moment, Luna was speechless. The nerve. He wasn’t just smart—he was cocky. But she wouldn’t let him get under her skin.

“We’ll see who gets ahead next time,” she replied, her tone icy but composed.

Xallvien’s smile didn’t falter. “Looking forward to it.” And with that, he turned and left, leaving Luna staring after him, more determined than ever.

----

That evening, as Luna sat at her desk at home, surrounded by her books, she couldn’t stop thinking about Xallvien. He had come into her world and immediately challenged her status.

But this was just the beginning. She knew there would be more to come, and she had no intention of letting him outshine her again. As she picked up her pen and began to write, a new resolve filled her. The competition had only just begun.