The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as Aria carried her tray, trying to find a quiet corner. But she immediately spotted her rival girl, surrounded by a small group of gossiping classmates. That smirk… Aria had seen it before.
Here we go again, she thought, taking a deep breath.
The rival girl decided to make her move. Loud enough for the cafeteria to hear, she called out:
"Queen Aria! Are you sure you can survive school without relying on your idol fame?"
A few students giggled, whispering among themselves. Some stared, curious.
Aria smiled confidently and stood tall. "If school is about intelligence and composure," she said, voice clear and steady, "maybe you should take notes instead of trying to embarrass others."
A hush fell over the cafeteria. Murmurs shifted from mocking Aria to admiration for her calmness. Even the rival girl blinked, surprised.
Across the room, Lucien leaned casually against a pillar, observing. His gaze softened as he watched Aria handle the situation with grace and poise.
"You handled that perfectly," he whispered as she walked past him later.
Aria's cheeks warmed. "Thanks… I've learned to stay calm."
He smirked faintly. "Not many could. You're impressive."
Later, in the courtyard, Aria met up with her idol group.
"You totally turned that around!" one of them said, eyes wide.
"Even the rival looked speechless," another added.
Aria laughed softly. "It's all about staying composed and thinking ahead."
The group chuckled, teasing her playfully. Their support reminded Aria she wasn't alone, even when school and rivalry tried to pull her down.
That evening, Lucien caught up with her near the library.
"You're incredible," he said quietly, eyes meeting hers. "Not just on stage… but here too. Handling classmates, rivals, and pressure—it's impressive."
Aria glanced down, then back at him. "I… I try. And it helps knowing someone notices."
A faint warmth spread through her chest. "Someone like you?"
"Yes," he whispered, a small smile playing on his lips.
For a moment, the world seemed to narrow around them. A silent understanding, a spark of connection, and the subtle start of something more lingered between them.