It was Monday, the start of Initiation Week—the week when new eighth graders were "welcomed" to Dominic High. Officially, it helped them adjust. Unofficially, it reminded them who held the power.
Being new, the eighth graders didn't yet understand the hierarchy. Some whispered too loudly. Some walked past seniors without a greeting. A few even laughed when they shouldn't have.
That ignorance didn't last long.
For their first initiation task, each eighth grader was forced to wear a cardboard box necklace with a name written on it. The Ice Queen and her crew had full authority to assign the names.
The hall buzzed with nervous energy as the students lined up in five straight rows—one for Samantha, the others for Michelle, Tia, Steven, and Victor.
Steven, ever the mischief-maker, laughed as a short, chubby boy stepped forward.
"Look at this one," he said, smirking. "I'll call you Mr. Krabs."
He scrawled the name across the cardboard.
"Yay! I love money!" the boy squeaked excitedly.
Steven leaned closer and muttered, "And maybe fellow boys too."
Laughter erupted across the hall.
Samantha didn't flinch. She didn't smile. She didn't laugh. She simply wrote her instructions quietly, methodically.
When she finally spoke, the noise stopped immediately.
"The five of us are your leaders for the year," she said, her tone calm but absolute. "If you're treated unfairly, come to us. We are your judges."
Steven grinned. "And if anyone decides to disobey, I've got five extra guys ready to remind you how things work."
Michelle stepped forward. "These are the rules if you want peace in this school."
"Rule number one," Samantha continued evenly, "you greet the Ice Queen when she walks past. Alone."
"Rule number two," Tia added, "no one is allowed to bully anyone except us. And don't worry—we rarely do."
"Rule number three," Steven said, enjoying himself, "never provoke the Ice Queen. Or you'll be blacklisted." He gestured casually. "Ask Mariam."
Silence fell.
"And lastly," Victor concluded, "be prepared for consequences if you forget any of these rules."
"Yes, sir!" the eighth graders shouted in unison.
Samantha's lips curved in a faint smile. "If you prove your loyalty," she continued, "there will be rewards. As long as I attend this school, obedience pays."
Excitement rippled through the hall. Samantha knew generosity bought loyalty faster than fear ever could.
"Dismissed."
---
Samantha was in the business stream. Brian was in science. They shared math, though Samantha rarely spoke in class.
As she took her seat, she felt eyes on her. She looked up. Brian was staring, his expression unreadable.
He winked.
Her face remained neutral, but her grip on her pen tightened.
"I have a wish in mind," he whispered quietly, just for her.
Whispers spread. Curious students craned their necks. Someone leaned toward Brian.
"Don't provoke the Ice Queen," the boy whispered. "That's rule three."
Brian didn't even glance at him. "Relax. We're friends now."
The boy shook his head and slumped back into his seat.
Samantha stared at the board, but her mind raced.
What if he asks me to apologize to Mariam? Publicly. On my knees.
Her chest tightened at the thought. That would destroy everything she had built: her reputation, her authority, her carefully controlled world.
---
At lunch, Tia leaned forward across the table. "Valentine's Day is in less than three weeks. We need to plan the party."
"I don't know," Samantha said flatly. "After what happened, I might not attend."
Michelle scoffed. "God forbid someone wants privacy."
Steven shrugged. "My parents were just worried."
"Whatever," Samantha muttered.
"I'll handle them," Steven said, smirking. "You're going. You have to."
Samantha exhaled sharply. "Fine."
Brian appeared moments later and slid into the seat beside Victor, directly across from her.
"Good morning," he said casually.
Steven's jaw tightened. "What are you doing here?"
"Mariam went to the library," Brian replied easily. "So I'm alone. You know—no friends."
Tia laughed quietly. "She's probably embarrassed."
Michelle nodded in agreement. "As she should be."
Brian ignored them.
"Then go to the library," Steven snapped.
Brian shook his head. "Too quiet. Besides, Sammy doesn't mind."
"I'm sorry—who?" Samantha asked sharply.
"Sammy," Brian replied, grinning. "Your name's long."
Tia grimaced. "That's cringe."
"It's cute," Brian said softly, meeting Samantha's eyes.
Victor's tone carried a warning. "The Ice Queen hates nicknames."
Brian didn't flinch. He leaned closer. "I think she likes it. Don't you, Sammy?"
Samantha met his gaze, her expression unreadable.
"Yes," she said finally. "I do."
The table fell silent.
Victor frowned. "You hate that."
"Not this one," she said coolly.
Brian smiled. "I heard you've been pursuing Sammy for five years. That's rough."
"That's none of your business," Victor snapped.
"I'm just concerned," Brian said. "Might be your looks."
Victor clenched his fists, frustration written all over his face.
"Give it up," Brian continued calmly. "It's pointless now."
"And what does that mean?" Victor growled.
Brian stood, his presence commanding. His voice carried across the cafeteria.
"Sammy," he said, "I wish to take you on a date."
"She won't—" Victor started.
"I can go on a date," Samantha said calmly, her tone flat but unwavering.
A silence fell over the cafeteria. Students whispered, glancing back and forth. The Ice Queen had never allowed anyone to speak to her like this. Yet Samantha didn't flinch.
Brian's grin widened. "See? Problem solved."
Samantha's lips twitched—a tiny, almost imperceptible smile—but it was enough to make Brian's heart skip a beat.