Chapter 3 Beneath the Surface

The school bell echoed through the halls, signaling the end of the day. A wave of relief swept through the corridors as students poured out of classrooms, their laughter bouncing off the walls. Emily lingered by her locker, slowly gathering her books. Her thoughts were still tangled in the events of the day-especially the silent but meaningful interaction with Adrian.

She had expected to be invisible at her new school, just another face among many. But somehow, the stillness in Adrian's gaze had seen through her guarded shell, if only for a moment. That subtle connection, though wordless, lingered like a quiet song at the back of her mind.

"Hey, you're not planning to sleep here, are you?" Rachel's teasing voice interrupted her reverie.

Emily smiled sheepishly. "Just... thinking."

"About Adrian?" Rachel asked with a wink.

Emily rolled her eyes, but her cheeks betrayed her with a warm flush. "No, just the day. Everything's still... new."

Rachel leaned against the locker beside her. "You'll get used to it. Oakview might not look like much, but it grows on you. Just avoid the drama crowd."

Emily raised a brow. "Drama crowd?"

Rachel lowered her voice conspiratorially. "You know-the ones who think they run the school. Gossip, parties, all that stuff. They're harmless but loud."

As they stepped out into the afternoon sunlight, Emily noticed a familiar figure leaning against the school fence. Adrian stood there, backpack slung over one shoulder, staring off into the distance. He looked completely at ease, untouched by the buzz of the crowd. Just as they walked past, he glanced up. Their eyes met again. This time, he nodded-more deliberately.

Rachel caught the exchange and nudged Emily. "You're officially on his radar now. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Emily shook her head with a small laugh. "You're reading too much into it."

But deep down, she wasn't so sure.

That evening, Emily sat at her small desk by the window, the sky outside painted in hues of orange and pink. Her new room was modest-plain walls, a single shelf of books, and a corkboard she hadn't yet filled. She pulled out her notebook, intending to review her science notes, but instead, found herself doodling aimlessly.

Her thoughts drifted again-to the moment in the lab, the quiet strength in Adrian's voice, the way he hadn't hesitated to help her without making her feel small. He was different, that much was certain. But in what way? And why did it matter to her?

The next day arrived with the gentle warmth of sunlight creeping through the curtains. Emily dressed quickly, not wanting to be late. At school, she was greeted by a few polite smiles-faces starting to grow familiar. Rachel was already at their usual bench near the courtyard, waving her over.

"You're early today," Rachel said as Emily joined her.

"I didn't want to look like the lost newbie again," Emily replied with a laugh.

"Fair enough. You've already made a good impression, though. Word travels fast here."

Emily frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Rachel smirked. "Let's just say Adrian doesn't usually acknowledge people twice in a row. You must've done something right."

Before Emily could respond, a sudden commotion erupted near the main building. Students gathered around, phones out, whispering excitedly. Rachel groaned. "Here we go-drama crowd in action."

They approached out of curiosity. A girl with long, curly hair stood at the center, clearly upset. Her voice was raised, accusing another student of spreading rumors. The boy she confronted seemed smug, deflecting her words with sarcasm.

"That's Maya," Rachel whispered. "One of the queens of the drama crowd. And that's Tyler-resident gossip. They have a scandal every other week."

Emily watched, uncomfortable with the way students stood around as spectators, feeding off the tension. She turned to leave, only to find Adrian standing on the edge of the crowd, watching too-but not out of interest. His arms were folded, expression unreadable.

Their eyes met once more. He didn't speak, didn't smile. But Emily got the strange feeling he was reading the scene, and reading her too. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

Back in class, the commotion had died down. The teacher launched into a math lesson, but Emily struggled to focus. Her thoughts were restless, torn between the mess she'd just witnessed and the mystery Adrian continued to be.

When the bell finally rang for lunch, Emily made her way to the cafeteria. She scanned the room, eventually finding Rachel waving from a corner table. As she joined her, Adrian walked in, tray in hand. He didn't sit with anyone-he never did. Instead, he took his usual seat at the far end, close to the window.

"You should talk to him," Rachel said suddenly.

Emily blinked. "What? Why would I do that?"

Rachel shrugged. "Because you're curious. And you don't have to pretend you're not."

Emily hesitated. Was she really that transparent?

"I wouldn't even know what to say," she replied.

"Sometimes you don't have to say much," Rachel said. "Just... be yourself."

Emily glanced at Adrian's table again, then back at her own tray. She didn't move. Not yet. But a small part of her-the brave, curious part-wondered what might happen if she did.