I whispered a quick "hey" to Andrew from across the table. He looked up, flashed me a grin, and his dark brown eyes sparkled for a second.
We were in the Aereum Heights University library, the elite school where only the best of the best made the cut. Getting in wasn't easy, but every year, they give out scholarships to the top ten students—students like me.
It was a big deal, but the pressure here was unreal. Some students drop out—not because they can't keep up with the grades, but because of the insane bullying and toxic politics that came with being in the top.
Most of the rich kids here were either socialites or bullies, but Andrew? He was different. He wasn't one of them. Second in our class, always quiet but never rude. He wasn't the super rich kid, but he wasn't poor either—his dad owned a restaurant, and that's where I worked part-time.
I tried to focus on my book, but I couldn't help sneaking glances at him. His black hair. His sharp jawline. The way he carried himself. He wasn't super friendly but he wasn't cold either.
Then, out of nowhere, he pulled up a chair next to me. "Can I sit here?" he asked, his voice smooth and calm.
I forced a casual smile and replied, "Sure," trying my best not to sound flustered as Andrew slid into the chair beside me.He leaned back, stretching his arms before resting them on the table. "So, how are you doing?" he asked, his voice light and easy.
"Great. What about you?" I tilted my head, eyeing him curiously. "Although, I have to say... I've been noticing a certain someone skipping classes lately. Never thought I'd see the day Andrew Darson, of all people, would be bunking lectures. What's the deal? Secret plan to steal my rank?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.
Andrew rolled his eyes, but a small giggle escaped. "Yeah, right. As if I could dethrone you." He shook his head before lowering his voice slightly, glancing around as if making sure no one was listening.
"Actually… I've just been a little distracted. I, uh—started dating someone."I blinked. "Wait, what?"He rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks flushing the lightest shade of red. "Yeah. I'm in a relationship now," he admitted with a sheepish grin.
"And I'm only telling you, so don't go spreading it."For a split second, my brain short-circuited."Oh," I managed, before quickly plastering on a bright smile.
"Wow! Congratulations! You finally looked up from your books long enough to notice someone." I let out a laugh, hoping it sounded genuine.It wasn't that I wasn't happy for him—I was.
But I also couldn't ignore the tiny sting in my chest, the little what-if that had always been buried under logic and the knowledge that it would never happen.
Andrew glanced at his watch and sighed. "Crap, I think I'm running late for class." He stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "See you around, yeah?""Yeah, see you," I replied, watching as he walked away, completely unaware of the quiet heartbreak I was trying so hard to ignore.
As I was about to focus on my book again, I heard the sound of heels clicking—sharp, deliberate, and attention-seeking. Bella Hayes. Daughter of the university owner. Sister to Kian Hayes, the school's golden boy—or should I say, the playboy.
Richer than God, nastier than sin. Her second-in-command, Siri, trailed behind like an obedient pet. They didn't even lower their voices as they tore through the library, laughing at a first-year scholarship student.
Then, like clockwork, Bella turned to me. "Iyra," she drawled, sliding onto my table like she owned it. "Miss me?" Bella said, swinging her legs. I stayed silent. Siri said, "Don't do anything or this bitch will bark about us in front of Rose." My blood boiled at her comment, like she is not the one sticking with Bella just to boss others, but there is nothing I can say because I don't want to create a mess for myself. I know better than anyone, and to play it safe, Bella and Siri walked away, tossing a card on my table.
After they went, "I opened it at Aereum Heights University fresher party. Really, they are inviting. Of course not, they must need someone for preparation.
They wouldn't want me at their party. I was still lost in my thoughts when I heard whispers of several girls leaving. Oh, it's time for the basketball match; they are going to see Kian Hayes. Well, I don't know what's so special about him. I only saw him with Rose sometimes; I don't even remember his face properly, but yeah I remember he has grey eyes and girls say he looks like a anime character walked out of television though I admit he is handsome but personality ..tsk tsk trash ..he didn't even acknowledge my presence, even when I was with Rose—typical, rude like others here.
(Kian's POV)
The crowd roared. The scoreboard flashed. Final shot—mine. I pivoted, faked a pass, and sent the ball soaring. Clean. Perfect. Victory. "KIAN! KIAN! KIAN!" The gym was electric, my name echoing through the stands. I wiped sweat from my brow, running a hand through my damp hair. I bowed infront of the crowd and whispered towards the girls "thank for watching" as they screamed loudly
Nick, my teammate, tossed me a water bottle. "Stop pretending to be all humble. We know you love this." I smirked. "And they love me." Nick rolled his eyes. "You're impossible.",
I grabbed my phone, dialing Rose."You didn't come?" I asked as soon as she picked up."Busy."Where?"Home."Click. She hung up.I sighed, tossing the empty bottle at Nick. "Later, man." "Where you going?" "Rose's place.
"The bouquet sat on the passenger seat as I pulled up to her mansion. Rose had probably forgotten her own birthday. Typical. I still wonder how I have gotten so serious about this but yeah it's my childhood sweetheart crush and more i can do anything for her leaving my Playboy reputation is not a big deal.
I punched in the passcode, stepping inside. My smile faded as I saw a cake on the dinning table Already eaten am i late?, then she already celebrated it fuck i should have come earlier but anyway.
I took the stairs two at a time, pushing her bedroom door open. "Sorry I don't have patience to knock—"Words died in my throat as I saw .Rose. On her bed. A forkful of cake halfway to her mouth.Mark. Hand on her waist. Lips inches apart.Silence.
Heavy, suffocating.The bouquet slipped from my grip, petals scattering across the floor.Rose's eyes widened. "Kian, I can explain—""Don't bother." My voice was empty i don't feel like listening anything or i might loose my temper.
Without another word, I turned and walked out.
It wasn't exactly a surprise— was it? maybe I should've seen it coming. But still I expected loyalty,
but was there ever really a relationship to begin with? She said she wasn't sure about her feelings, but hadn't she always known mine? I have always been someone she can keep on hook as the realisation finally hit me like a punch my vision start blurring no way I will cry I wiped my tears harshly before it falls.
I took a deep breath and start my car From childhood until now, I had a crush on her. Our parents were great friends, we spent holidays together, went to the same school, and now, the same college. When she agreed to give us a chance—to see where things could go—I let go of my playboy ways. I tried to be a good boyfriend.
And for what? Just to see this . That all the fucking time i was just someone she was keeping on hook
(Rose's POV)
I sat on my bed, redialing Kian's number over and over, but it kept going to voicemail. Hugging my knees, I groaned in frustration and threw my phone onto the mattress. Ugh, what's his problem? It's not like we're… or were… in a relationship. So why is he acting so dramatic?Whatever. He'll come back on his own.I flopped onto my back, staring at the ceiling.
Exams were coming up, and if my rank dropped any further, Mom would chew me out. I was already in third place. Pushing the thought aside, I grabbed my phone and dialed Iyra's number.
(Iyra's POV)
"Hello?" I answered, barely getting the word out before Rose's dramatic whining hit my ears."Where are you, my bish?!" she huffed. "I have so much to talk about, and you need to help me study.
You know I can't survive without you."I sighed, shaking my head. "Relax, relax. Should I come over?""Obviously!" she chirped before hanging up without another word.I stared at my phone for a second, shaking off my thoughts.
Rose was… Rose. I didn't care what she did with other people, but at least she treated me decently. And she had her reasons for keeping me around—just like I had mine.
I grabbed my bag, zipping it up before heading out. If it weren't for Rose, I would've been just another scholarship student turned bully bait. The ones who couldn't handle the pressure, who dropped out before the year was even over. But Rose? She stood up for me. Just being labeled as her best friend was a shield in itself.
Because she wasn't just anyone. She was Rose Aurelia Whitemore.Aurelia—meaning gold. And, honestly? The name fit. She was golden. Filthy rich. The daughter of a renowned journalist and a business tycoon.
Not that I'd ever met her parents—she lived alone here.But in this college? She ruled. The queen bee, the it girl, the untouchable. Blonde hair, a perfect hourglass figure, skin like freshly fallen snow—she was a real-life Cinderella. Except, unlike the fairy tale, she wasn't some helpless girl waiting for a prince. She was a player—though not everyone knew that. And those who did?
Well… they weren't stupid enough to say a word.I was one of them.We were nothing alike—worlds apart, really. But somehow, we were still best friends.