The morning sunlight streamed gently through the tall windows, painting golden streaks across the desks as murmurs filled the classroom. The teacher droned about formulas on the holographic board, and the students either took notes or fought to stay awake. Valentine rested her chin in her palm, tapping her stylus on her iPad as she jotted quick notes between half-formed thoughts.
The room smelled faintly of new books and perfume — the soft scent of order and chaos blending perfectly together.
Then, the homeroom door slid open. Their homeroom teacher, Mrs. Langford, walked in, the click of her heels demanding attention. The class straightened immediately.
"Alright, everyone. Listen up." Her clear voice carried through the room. "There's going to be an in-house competition between the Gem Rooms. Each class must elect a representative. Voting starts next week."
Instantly, whispers erupted.
At the corner, Alice's painted lips curved into a smirk. Her followers squealed under their breaths as she sent Valentine a mocking glance — one that spoke louder than words.
Valentine ignored it, pretending to focus on the teacher, though her hand tightened slightly on her pen.
Mrs. Langford continued, "If anyone has recommendations, I'll note them down."
Valentine immediately ducked her head, hair falling over her face. She had zero interest in becoming a representative. Leadership meant attention — and attention meant trouble.
But then—
"I recommend Valentine!" a voice called from the middle row.
Her head snapped up. A few more joined in, echoing her name. Surprised, Valentine looked around, meeting the warm smiles of classmates — encouragement glowing in their eyes. Her heart skipped once, fluttering with an emotion she didn't quite recognize.
Across the room, Alice's glare sliced through the air. Her followers quickly began calling her name in retaliation, their voices overlapping with those supporting Valentine.
Rachel leaned in, whispering, "You're trending, Miss Quiet Genius."
Valentine sighed. "Please, no."
When class ended, she was the first to stand, ready to escape the sudden attention. Maysha quickly joined her, bright-eyed as always.
"Library time?" Maysha asked, looping her arm through Valentine's.
Valentine nodded, texting Rachel that they'd meet her there soon.
---
As they walked, Maysha said suddenly, "You know, something weird happened this morning."
Valentine blinked. "Weird how?"
Maysha grimaced. "A mascot. A literal bear mascot took a photo of me in front of my dorm. I almost screamed."
Valentine stopped mid-step. "You too?"
Maysha raised a brow. "Wait, what do you mean too?"
Valentine told her everything — the doorbell, Rachel's strange behavior, and the quick flash of light. Maysha gasped dramatically.
"You mean to tell me you were almost caught on camera in your bathrobe?"
"Almost," Valentine said, her voice small.
"Lucky you! I was in my pajamas. It was ugly."
They both laughed, the tension fading as Maysha pulled out her phone. "Look. There's a thread on the school forum about it."
Valentine leaned closer. Her eyes widened as she scrolled through the images — snapshots of students caught in all sorts of embarrassing moments: brushing teeth, screaming, half-asleep. And then—
Her.
Valentine's photo stood out — perfectly composed, a faint, polite smile on her lips. The comments underneath were wild.
"How is she that calm?"
"Did she bribe the mascot?"
"That smile though 😭💘"
Valentine chuckled softly. "I can't tell if I should be flattered or concerned."
Maysha laughed. "At least you look good."
They entered the library, still giggling.
---
The library was breathtaking — marble floors gleamed under warm golden lights, towering bookshelves arched toward the ceiling like cathedral pillars. A soft, almost sacred quiet wrapped around the air.
But the peace didn't last.
"Of course she's flirting," Valentine muttered under her breath.
Rachel stood near a tall, blonde boy, laughing with her head tilted just so. The boy looked like a prince straight out of a drama — smooth voice, dimpled smile, and utterly captivated by Rachel's energy.
Maysha whispered, "He's cute."
"Don't encourage her," Valentine hissed.
They walked over just as Rachel brushed a strand of hair from her face, smiling up at the boy.
"Excuse us," Maysha said sweetly, flashing the boy a grin. "You're very handsome, by the way."
He blushed scarlet.
Valentine just stood there, frozen. "Unbelievable," she murmured. "You two came here to flirt or to work?"
Rachel gasped in mock offense. "Flirt? We were networking!"
"That was not networking."
Maysha smirked. "If you came to France, you'd faint from what real flirting looks like."
Rachel burst into laughter and wrapped her arm around Maysha. "She's too innocent for her own good."
Valentine groaned, walking toward the tables filled with books. "You two are impossible."
They laughed again, but soon joined her.
Thirty minutes later, the table was spotless. Rachel yawned dramatically. "I need to retouch my makeup before I pass out."
"I'll join you," Maysha said.
Valentine waved them off, eyes already drawn to a shelf nearby. Her fingers traced along the spines until one title caught her eye:
"The Mind's Mirror: The Psychology of Hidden Intent."
She reached for it, but the book slipped and fell — only to be caught by someone else's hand.
Her heart skipped.
The Vice President. Louis.
His easy smile carried both charm and quiet calculation as he handed the book back. "You dropped this."
"Thank you," she said softly, trying not to sound nervous.
He tilted his head. "I didn't see you at my office yesterday."
Valentine froze. "I— the President called me first," she managed.
Louis's eyes glimmered. "Ah, so it was him who kept you."
There was something in his tone — sharp, yet playful. Valentine felt her throat tighten.
He glanced at the book again. "The psychology of hidden intent," he said, reading aloud. "Interesting choice. Any particular reason?"
She forced a small smile. "Just curiosity."
He hummed. "Curiosity can be dangerous, you know."
Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, Valentine couldn't tell if it was warning or flirtation she saw in his expression.
Then laughter echoed behind her. Rachel and Maysha returned, greeting Louis politely before dragging Valentine to the side.
Rachel folded her arms. "Care to explain why the Vice President looks like he just stepped out of a romance novel with you as the lead?"
Valentine blinked rapidly. "It's not what it looks like."
"Sure," Maysha teased. "And you're not late for your meeting with the President either."
Valentine froze. "Oh no."
She grabbed her bag. "I have to go— now!"
Louis, who had overheard, stepped closer. "Allow me to drive you."
"Oh, that's not necessary—"
He smiled. "That wasn't a suggestion."
Her heart raced as she followed him outside. The car was sleek, low, and absurdly expensive. The kind that purred instead of roared.
Inside, his voice was calm. "So, tell me, Miss Valentine… what do you really think of the President?"
Before she could answer, they arrived. The Student Council building stood tall — glass and marble gleaming under the afternoon sun.
As they stepped inside, André appeared at the end of the hall, his gaze cutting through the air like frost. His eyes flickered briefly to Louis, then to her.
"Valentine." His voice was low, dangerous. "Follow me."
Louis's smile faded as Valentine's heartbeat thundered in her chest.
Something in the air shifted.
And just like that, the smile before chaos had vanished.
Author's Note:
Seems André and Louis aren't on good terms… 👀
Whose side would you take? 💙🔥