4SINS: DECEPTION OF LUCIAN MARCUS GREY

2

The next day, Glaryse found herself back at Café Soul Ace, slipping into the faded apron with the café's logo stitched across the front. Zarisha had been right—it was a pretty chill spot. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the steady hum of conversation punctuated by the swish of steam wands and the clink of coffee cups. Glaryse's nerves had settled somewhat since her first shift. Though she still fumbled with the register from time to time, the rhythm of work felt comforting.

"Hey, don't worry about it," Zarisha said, handing her a fresh cappuccino to serve to a table near the window. "You'll get the hang of it. Honestly, you're doing better than I did my first week here."

Glaryse took the drink with a shy smile, feeling reassured by her roommate's calm confidence. She'd quickly settled into the work, the routine providing a welcome distraction from the overwhelming rush of university life. The café was becoming a sort of refuge—a place where she could focus on simple tasks rather than getting lost in the endless confusion of assignments and expectations.

As she moved toward a table by the window with the cappuccino, a group of students walked in, chatting animatedly. Their conversation was impossible to ignore.

Her attention immediately sharpened. Lucian? For some reason, hearing that name caused a slight flutter in her stomach.

"I swear, Lucian could probably run this whole campus if he wanted to," said a tall girl with sleek black hair, sliding into one of the chairs. "The guy's a genius. All his classes are straight A's, and he always knows how to handle himself. Plus, he's got that 'I'm too good for you' vibe down to an art."

Another student, a girl with long blonde hair, laughed and chimed in. "I don't think 'too good for you' is even enough to describe Lucian. I mean, he's basically untouchable at this point. Smart, rich, and insanely good-looking. He's like the complete package."

The first girl leaned forward, her eyes lighting up. "And have you seen Ronan? He's got the looks and the charm, and he knows how to work a room."

"I heard he's been helping with some big projects for the student government," the blonde girl said, scrolling through her phone while sipping her drink. "I mean, if Lucian's the brains, Ronan's the charisma. Together, they're unstoppable."

A third student, a girl with bright blue eyes, added, "And Silas? That guy's a mystery. He's always lurking in the background, like he's got the entire world figured out. You can tell he's got money, too, even though he never talks about it. I'd bet my tuition that guy's got some serious influence behind the scenes."

"Yeah, and Caden?" the ginger-haired girl said, grinning. "Don't even get me started. He doesn't say much, but everyone knows he's dangerous. No one messes with Caden. He's got this... presence. People respect him."

The first girl smiled dreamily. "I think it's the way they carry themselves. They're so confident. You can't help but be drawn to them. They're like... the royalty of this campus. Honestly, I'd do anything just to be with any of them."

"That would be tough though," the blonde-haired girl said with a pout. "A lot of girls are lining up for them." The others nodded in agreement.

Glaryse, who had been wiping down the counter nearby, paused for a moment. She couldn't help but feel an odd mix of curiosity and discomfort at the conversation. The 4SINS. She'd heard the name before, but now hearing it repeated so often—like a chant—made it feel like there was something more to these people than just campus rumors. They weren't just popular. They were elevated to a status that seemed almost untouchable.

A low buzz of anxiety stirred in her chest. She had no intention of getting involved with any cliques, but the way the students spoke about the 4SINS made it clear that they weren't just another group on campus. They were... the group. The ones everyone either envied or adored.