Arista's POV
The notice appeared on the board like it had always been there.
ANNUAL INTER-SCHOOL FESTIVAL
One week. Multiple events. Mandatory participation.
Groans filled the hallway.
I didn't groan.
I just stared.
School events had a way of exposing people—putting them under lights they didn't ask for. And after the storeroom incident, the last thing I wanted was attention.
"Why do they always do this when life is already complicated?" Advi muttered beside me.
Zoe laughed. "Because chaos is the curriculum."
Mira leaned closer. "Leaders will be announced today."
"Haven't they already announced it?" I asked.
" It was for the group project, not for festival."
That made my stomach sink.
---
Later in Classroom,
Mr. Hayes tapped the board.
"Due to recent changes," he said carefully, "we're restructuring leadership roles for the festival."
I felt Kaelor shift two rows behind me.
"Event Heads will be announced now."
My name came faster than I expected.
"Arista Rivera — Coordination Lead."
The room murmured.
I heard Sana whisper, "Of course."
Before I could process it, another name followed.
"Kaelor Han — Logistics & Security."
I stopped breathing.
Security.
Of all things.
I didn't turn around.
I didn't need to.
I felt his presence like a shadow aligning with mine.
---
Break Time — Courtyard
"This is bad," I told Mira flatly.
"This is fate," she corrected.
"No, this is stress with decorations."
Kaelor approached—slow, careful, like he didn't want to startle me.
"Looks like we're working together," he said.
"Looks like," I replied.
A pause.
"I know you don't like attention right now," he added quietly. "I'll handle the crowd stuff. You handle planning."
I looked up at him then.
He wasn't being controlling.
He was being… protective.
"Okay," I said.
Just that.
And for some reason, that simple agreement made something steady settle between us.
---
Kaelor's POV
She looked tired.
Not weak. Not fragile.
Just tired in the way people get when they've been carrying too much alone.
When she said okay, it felt like trust.
I didn't deserve it yet.
But I'd earn it.
Across the courtyard, Derek watched us.
His eyes lingered too long.
I memorized that look.
---
Evening — Event Prep Meeting
Tables. Papers. Arguments.
Everyone talking over everyone.
Arista stood at the front, voice calm, directing people without raising it once.
I'd seen her lead before.
But now… there was something sharper about it.
Devin interrupted. "Security isn't just about crowd control."
"I know," I said.
Arista glanced at me. "Explain."
I did.
And when I mentioned restricted areas, locked rooms, and access control—
Her hand stilled on the clipboard.
Our eyes met.
I nodded slightly.
I haven't forgotten.
---
Arista's POV
After the meeting, Sana caught up with me.
"You okay with him being in charge of security?" she asked.
"I think…" I hesitated. "I think I feel safer."
She studied me, then smiled softly. "That's new."
Maybe it was.
Maybe it wasn't.
---
A Night Before Festival Week, I stood on the school balcony, watching lights flicker in classrooms.
Kaelor joined me, silent.
"Do you think school events ever change anything?" I asked.
He thought for a moment.
"No," he said. "They reveal things."
I hugged my arms around myself.
Then—
"I won't let anything happen to you," he added. Not dramatic. Just certain.
I didn't reply.
But for the first time in days, the weight in my chest eased.
Somewhere far away, a car engine started.
And stopped.