Ayla's POV
The moment Sophie stepped into the classroom it felt like the sun had exploded into a glittering chaotic ball of energy.
Every head turned. Almost everyone rushed toward her like bees to honey, their voices tumbling over each other like waves crashing against a shore. I stayed put, stretching my neck to get a better look, but her fans didn't even let her breathe or give me a chance to peek.
"Sophie, did you meet Ariana, that big celebrity?"
"Did you help me get her autograph?"
"Are you filming a new series?"
"Tell us everything, are you the main character?"
"When's the movie coming out?"
Through the flurry, I slowly pieced it together. Sophie was a child actress and must have been away for a project. That explained why she was returning late and just now resuming classes.
Sophie moved with effortless grace as though she owned the space. Even if she didn't intend to, her fans' excitement already made her look like she did. She made her way through the sea of students, eyes scanning, smile radiant, until she reached her friend, Elena.
As she approached, I got a clearer view. Sophie truly was mesmerizing. Her long blond hair shimmered under the light, her skin pale and flawless. No wonder the entire class had whispered about her beauty when I first arrived and wouldn't stop comparing her to me, saying my looks might threaten hers. But looking at her now, I wasn't so sure who should feel threatened. And that smile was captivating, warm, radiant enough to melt glaciers.
She finally broke free from the crowd, her gaze searching for someone until it landed on me.
She stopped at my desk for a brief moment, her eyes sweeping over me from head to toe before that bright smile curved across her lips. Countless thoughts raced through my mind because with how everyone talked about her, I had already convinced myself her return probably meant more trouble for me.
She extended her hand, smiling brightly, the kind of smile that could stun anyone into silence.
"Sophie Langford," she said.
I grinned and shook her hand. "Ayla Davul."
Her attention immediately shifted to Elena, who was slumped at her desk, head resting on her folded arms, completely unbothered by the chaos. Sophie crouched slightly, gently tapping her shoulder.
"Lenny, I'm back," she said, her voice soft and cheerful.
I froze. Did she just touch her?
Elena, the same Elena who could silence a hallway with one look?
To my utter shock, Elena lifted her head slowly, a faint sleepy smile curling on her lips.
"Welcome," she said, her tone calm and surprisingly gentle, nothing like the icy aura she usually wore.
The class collectively gasped. Even I nearly fell out of my seat.
Then Sophie turned back to me, her smile friendly and polite. "Hey, do you mind if I sit here for a bit? I really want to catch up with Lenny."
Her tone was soft, genuinely kind.
"No problem," I said quickly, jumping to my feet, grateful that someone was finally freeing me from this cage.
But before I could even stand fully, Elena's hand shot out, gently but firmly tugging my arm back toward her.
"Sophie," she said, her voice steady but not harsh. "Actually, she can't move from here. We can catch up right here. Or if you'd like, we can talk on the phone later. No need to make anyone change seats."
"I don't mind," I began, but one sharp look from Elena made the rest of my sentence die in my throat.
Sophie blinked, her perfect smile faltering for just a moment before returning, polished and bright. "Oh, okay. Maybe later then," she said cheerfully, leaning closer to whisper something in Elena's ear before stepping back and returning to her seat.
I watched her settle in, still smiling, her energy calmer now but still buzzing with curiosity.
Elena's hand remained on my arm, grounding me in the small bubble of quiet she carried so effortlessly. A silent reminder whispered between her touch. You're stuck with me forever. Even the class goddess can't save you. Don't ever think of escaping because I won't let you.