The lunch bell rang, and chatter filled the corridors of Willow Creek High. Students hurried to the cafeteria, their laughter echoing through the hallways.
Aria walked with her lunchbox in hand, scanning the room for a familiar face. Most tables were already full, but her eyes caught sight of Ethan, sitting alone at the far corner by the window. He wasn't talking to anyone, not even pretending to care about the noise around him. He ate quietly, his expression unreadable.
Aria hesitated for a moment before walking over.
"Mind if I sit here?" she asked softly, her voice almost drowned by the lunchroom noise.
Ethan looked up briefly, his blue eyes cold. "It's a free table."
That wasn't quite a yes, but Aria smiled anyway and sat down across from him.
For a while, neither of them spoke. Ethan focused on his food, pretending not to notice her. Aria occasionally glanced his way, wondering why he always kept his distance.
"You don't talk much, do you?" she tried again.
He didn't answer right away. "I talk when I need to," he said flatly.
Aria frowned slightly but decided not to push. There was something about him — not just arrogance, but a quiet loneliness that peeked through his walls.
The bell rang again, ending lunch. Ethan grabbed his bag and left without another word. Aria sighed softly, whispering to herself, "You're not as scary as you think, Ethan Cross."
---
After school, Mrs. Harper's voice echoed through the hallway.
"Aria, don't forget to show Ethan around, please."
Aria smiled politely. "Of course, ma'am."
Ethan waited by the lockers, hands shoved in his pockets. "You really don't have to do this," he muttered.
"It's fine," Aria said cheerfully. "Come on, I'll show you the library first."
They walked down the quiet corridors — the sun spilling through the windows, making the floor glow golden. Aria talked lightly about teachers, classrooms, and upcoming events. Ethan barely responded, though his eyes occasionally flicked toward her when she wasn't looking.
As they reached the staircase near the art room, Aria turned to point at a mural on the wall. "This one's my favorite. It was painted by seniors last year, and—"
Her foot slipped.
In a heartbeat, Ethan's arm shot out. He caught her firmly around the waist, pulling her against his chest before she could fall.
For a moment, time stood still.
Her wide green eyes met his stormy blue ones — close enough for her to feel his breath, close enough for him to smell the faint scent of her vanilla perfume. Neither spoke.
The hallway was silent except for the faint beating of two hearts that had no idea what they had just started.
Finally, Aria stepped back quickly, her cheeks warm. "Th-thank you," she stammered.
Ethan cleared his throat, letting go. "Watch where you're going next time."
But his voice was softer this time. Almost… gentle.
They finished the tour in awkward silence, and when it ended, Aria waved a shy goodbye before walking home, still feeling the phantom warmth of his hand on her waist.
---
That evening, the golden hour bathed her street in soft light. Aria's mother called from the kitchen, "Aria, guess what! We have new neighbors!"
"Really?" Aria asked, unpacking her bag.
Her father entered, loosening his tie. "Yes, they just moved in today. Nice family. And they have a son your age — apparently he'll be studying in the same school as you."
Aria smiled faintly. "That's nice."
"Be friendly, sweetheart," her mother added. "Why don't you take this dessert over and welcome them?"
Aria nodded, picking up the tray of homemade sweets. She tied her hair into a loose bun, slipped on her shoes, and walked next door.
She knocked gently on the door, the plate trembling slightly in her hands.
A moment later, the door opened.
Aria froze.
Standing there, wearing the same expression of calm indifference and surprise, was Ethan Cross.