INTO THE FIRE ● TWST

CHAPTER EIGHT: EVERYONE IS FUCKING CRAZY

WAS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR TO EAT YOUR LUNCH IN PEACE?

"That was quite the show you put on- am I right?"

You inwardly sigh, preparing yourself for another draining conversation, and begrudgingly lift your head to make eye contact with (what a surprise) another good-looking boy. This is crazy. How could every single guy here look fresh off the cover of Vogue? This was so unfair.

And yet, even among them, this boy stood out.

His features were impossibly refined and deliberate- like every feature was there for a reason and served a purpose. His sharp jawline and high cheekbones were cut from another cloth, but what held your attention were his eyes—cool, blue-gray, and calculating, with an intensity that made your stomach twist, (for good or bad you weren't too sure of.) Framed by silver glasses, it only enhanced his looks than take away from it. His silver hair gleamed under the cafeteria lights, styled immaculately except for a single strand that brushed his forehead, a deliberate imperfection that softened his otherwise polished image.

The rest of him was just as purposeful. His uniform was free from creases or folds, and his tie was so perfect you felt ashamed of your shoddy workmanship.

And yet you could tell he was an absolute asshole. His subtle I-know-more-than-you smirk and his eyes weighing you up told you everything you needed to know. You were more than prepared to deal with this. You raise an eyebrow. "Do I know you?" On your right, Ace and Deuce had perked up, noticing the newcomer to the conversation, whilst Grim...continued stuffing his face. Mood. You wave off Ace and Deuce, signaling you could deal with this.

The stranger didn't seem to be put off by your icy reaction, in fact, he seemed to welcome it. He stepped closer, and because you were assertive and dominant, you stood up, not liking the way he was looming over you. Now face to face, he seemed almost amused by your reaction and responds to your question with a shake of his head. "Not yet, but hopefully that will change soon enough. " His voice is silky smooth, similar to the ASMR audios you'd listen to when you couldn't sleep. His tone, however, throws you off completely, and you frown. "Oh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just that I've never seen anyone turn a situation to their advantage quite as... creatively as you did earlier," he said, his eyes glinting. "It was, how should I say, captivating. Let's just say... I find you fascinating."

For a moment, you were caught off guard. Not by the words themselves, but by the way he said them. Like he was studying you, trying to peel back your layers one by one. "What- never seen a woman before in your life?" You shoot back, attempting to collect yourself. He moves even closer, and the smell of sea salt and ink invades your senses, and you struggle to compose yourself. Curse your weakness for pretty boys. He smirks, his lips right next to your ear. "I've seen plenty of women, but none quite like you." Your pulse quickens and your breath hitches, you were so ready to fold. Don't give in.

You raise a brow, "Is that supposed to flatter me?" His voice dips lower, and he looks directly at you as he says, "Did it work?" Heat was spreading through your body, but you masked the twist of your stomach with a smile, "You'll have to try harder than that. Even the pervs from earlier were more tempting." He smiles, although it's more of a smirk than anything, "Challenge accepted. I assure you, I can do much better than the rabble."

You literally have no idea how to respond. Are you getting rizzed up right now or played with? Before you can say something, he leans in and murmurs, his breath cool on your face, "The name's Azul. Azul Ashengrotto. Find me if you want to explore your..true potential. I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement." Did he just Bond me?