"It's a promise ok?" said the little boy

"promise!" I replied happily sticking out my pinky finger.

He was about to do the same when-

kringgg!!!!! kringgggg!!!!

I woke up from the sound of my alarm It's now 4:50am.

A dream?

what was is about?

I can't seem to remember, But more importantly "Arggghhh!!! my sister must have altered my alarm clock yesterday, must be one of her heist to mess with me" I muttered to myself.

I tried to go back to sleep but my eyes wouldn't seem to close, maybe because of that wierd dream I had earlier. That I can't seem to remember.

And because I don't think I can fall asleep anytime soon. I kept myself busy by scrolling on Facebook for a couple of hours, Just waiting for the sun to rise. As I was scrolling I stumbled upon a music video by some guy named "MYSTERY" which I considered as a corny name.

He had an unreasonable amount of views so I curiously clicked one of his latest post.

I think he was singing "prettiest friend" by I dont remember the original artist, He had a nice voice that you'd feel calm listening to true to his name he was really a mystery. He had his face covered with a black mask along with a cap that can basically cover his whole face.

As I was so indulge by listening to the music.

I just soon realised that it was already 6:10am.

My class starts at 7am so there's still a lot of time to prepare.

I got up and started heading to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and took a bath. as I got out of the bathroom I stared at my uniform hanging on my cabinet, With a maroon skirt, a blouse that has maroon stripes in the neckline paired with a necktie that has a logo of my new school.

"I still cant believe im going to be a senior highschool student this year, time sure flies by so fast huh?" I quickly wore my uniform and did a few finishing touches, as I was looking at my vanity I heard two consecutive knocks on my door.

"Miss breakfast is ready, the Madam and Miss Loraine are already at the dining area" Said one of our maid from the otherside of the room.

"Yeah I'll be out in a bit" I answered casually

After I was satisfied with how I looked, I carefully strode down the stairs.

After reaching the Kitchen I was greeted by my mother "Good morning Athea how was your sleep last night?"

"I had a nice sleep thanks for asking MA" I replied in a lazingly tone.

"Did you like my surpries for you?" My monsterous of a sister asked.

"Well thanks to you, I need to buy a new alarm clock" I sarcastically replied.

my sister just smirked at me then continued eating.

"So today is your first day at school right? why dont you let your sister give you a tour around school?" Mom said while her gaze directed at me.

"it's ok mom, I've been fine by myself in London before, I don't see why I can't do the same here" I replied.

I didn't actually growup with my mom, maybe that's the reason why I unconsciously turn down her advansis to get close to me. Thinking back it had always been Me and Dad for 15 years.

"-as I was saying-" my mom pulled me out of my deep thought.

"Athea I know you've been in your fathers care for so long but I hope starting today you would open up to us. can you?"with that my mom said as if she had read my mind.

I know that she longed the presence of her other daughter. Who could blame her? not seeing me for 15 years.Though she did try to connect with me despite her being absent physically. She would always greet me on my birthdays and some special occasions such as school inductions and other schools achievements. But despite her efforts I couldn't see myself completely warming up to her. Maybe that's the reason why me and my sister has some bad blood. She gets to experience the warmth of a mother's hug while I don't.

"I'll try" I replied shortly.

Mom smiled as she holds my hand, I could see my sister as she rolled her eyes.

What's her problem?

Our meal continued on as my Mom and Sister talks about random stuff mostly concerning me Sister, They were only interrupted when- "Madam the car is ready now" our driver said.

"Ohh my! its already 7am. Time sure flies by so fast when you're having fun. you guys better get going"Mom said as she kissed Loraine and me on our chicks, Which I was still not used to by the way.

Its been a few minutes since we departed from our house. The time quickly flew by. I watched as we arrived at a large maroon gate, the guard that was on duty opened the gate and greated us. Loraine also greated the guard while I just noded as a sign of recognition.

As we entered the premises you'll noticed how big the facility was, there were six large building's in total exactly as I've read from the school magazine.

There are a separate building's for elementary, junior and senior highschool, and another building for collage, library and gymnasium, they also have an outdoor tennis and football court, a massive field and an outdoor swimming pool.

There are decent amounts of students at the campus as soon as we stepped out of the the car I could hear people chanting my devil of a sister's name.

"Loraine good morning do you want me to bring you. your favorite morning coffee!"said the brown haired guy.

"it's ok I had breakfast at home" she said with a Sweet smile.

As my so called sister was busy with her fan's, I left them. She must be popular enough to have her own fanclub too bad they're don't know what she's truly like, Which by the way doesn't have anything to do with me.

I was exploring the campus as I try to find the faculty room when suddenly "Woah!!-" a voice uttered as I fell on the ground. as I looked up to see who just bump into me. I saw a tall guy with dark blue hair and black eyes.

he looks korean.

"They also let foreigners study here?" I said to myself as I stared at the guy.

"Don't you have eyes?!" the guy yelled looking pissed

"well!! isn't that rich coming from the person who just bumped into me?!!!" I hissed back.

"ohh and correction I have eyes" I  added as I stand.

The guy was about to say something again when-

"Hey Russel what are you doing here? come on Ethan is waiting for us" another tall guy appeared.

"tssssk" the guy whose name is Russel I presume? clicked his tongue as they left.

The nerve of him! he was the one who wasn't looking at where his going and he didn't even Apologize?!! What's with this school? First they worship a devil then they have uneducated people?

This day can't get any worse can it?

Moments later I hear a voice call my name "ATHEANA!!!"

As I turned around a girl carrying a Gucci bag caught my attention. That ponytail and black colored eyes seems familiar to me.

As I squinted my eyes. I recognized her, Daniela Mendoza. we used to be classmates back in London.

She had a clingy side to her that kind of made me uncomfortable. But it was bearable. She was the only one I had considered a friend?

"Hi Dani long time no see" I greated as she got close to me.

"Long time no seee. You know I was really bummed when we moved here cuzzz I couldn't see my bfff anymore"

With her sweet vocals she ranted.

"but isn't that your choice? " I reminded her.

"ohhh your right hahahah!" she said with a laugh.

I've been listening to her talk for 15 minutes. When she diverted the topic.

"Ohh btw have you already been at the faculty room?" she asked between her stories.

"not yet" I answered shortly

"Ohh my G what am I doing....sorry Athea I've kept blabbing when you should be at the faculty by now" she sulked

"I don't really mind, it's been a year since we saw eachother plus I was actually kind of lost just a moment ago" I explained. Which she made an ohhh shape with her lips.

"By the way, what Strand did you take?" She asked.

"Uhmm STEM" I replied casually which I think pleased her?

"You should have told me sooner!!. Come on I'll take you at the faculty office" she happily exclaimed as she pulls me towards the hallways.

after 3 munites of walking we stoped at a front of a door that has a label FACULTY written on the door. Dani knocked two times before entering the room.

She then leads me to a middle age woman that later I found out that would be my homeroom teacher. Turns out Dani also took the same Strand as me. So our advisor instructed me to stick with her. After exiting the faculty room Dani suddenly spoke.

"Hey by the way, why did you take on STEM aren't you supposed to be in ABM because of your dad and all?" she asked.

It made me think, she has a point. What was the reason I choose a Strand good for medical and engineering professions? Wouldn't ABM a better fit for me since my dad has been teaching me about our business?

I must have taken a long time to answer because before I knew it Daniela was already leading me

As we walked through the massive hallways I can't help but rome my eyes. The windows aren't a large as what we had back at my old school and students here doesn't follow dress protocol.

After what I had witnessed it only just sank into me, I'm no longer at London.

Dani halted and entered a room that has a STEM 11-A written on the front door, I followed her inside. A huge room greated me, being this is an international school they took it to the next level the sets were fully padded with cushions, each desk also has an iPad laying on top of it. the ceiling was also eye catching with huge chandeliers hanging above our heads and a room that's fully air-conditioned it made me glad I wore a jacket.

"so this will be our classroom starting today" Dani explaned.

I scanned the room and it's noticeable that some students are still missing because of the empty seats you can see.

"You can seat here" Daniela said as she leads me to one of the empty seats avaliable. though It was on the back side of the room the good thing about it. is that's it's next to a window.

After putting my bag down. I noticed that Daniela was staring at me.

Maybe she's waiting for me to say the magic word?

"Thanks Dani" I said. Hoping after my appreciation she would take her seat but to my surprise she just kept on staring at me with those black doll eyes of hers.

"uhmm do you still need something?"

I couldn't help but ask. I couldn't take her stares anymore. It's making me uncomfortable.

"Well.... it's just can't believe that you're actually here. Imagine how I reacted when I suddenly got a call from you" she explained as she sat in the seat in front of me.

"Back at London you said that you'll never go to the Philippines. Why the change of mind?" She asked curiously.

"Well obviously it's because my dad forced me to" I answered with a straight face.

"Still a daddy's girl I see hahaha" she commented as she let out a laugh.

Our little chit-chat was interrupted when someone suddenly squealed

"Ackkkkk!!! They're here!!!!"

"Ethan you look as cool as ever!!"

"Kyahhh Zyden smile for me!!"

"Chester make me yours!!"

"And the crowd goes wild" Daniela said as I turned to her with a puzzled expression.

"Who are they?" I asked.

"Seriously Athea; you don't know???" Dani asked in disbelief.

"Uhmm no?" I answered casually "Do you think I would ask if I know?" I followed.

"Good point" She said in agreement.

"Well at any case I've told you about them back in 9th grade remember!??" Dani explained.

"So she was pertaining to those people, then?" I mentally asked myself as I followed her gaze.

I saw as a bunch of students, mostly girls. Crowd around; three guys who just entered.

Dani caught my attention when she pointed at one of the guys

"Let me introduce you to Zyden Alexter Wilson. He has a way of catching your attention right away. But it’s not just his looks—his natural charm and positive energy make him easy to talk to and instantly likeable. He comes from one of New York’s top hotel chain owner, so he’s no stranger to luxury. In other words; Zyden has a way of making everyone feel at ease and connected."

I glanced at the guy she mentioned and couldn’t help but notice him. His platinum blonde hair gleamed in the light, but it was his eyes that truly caught my attention. They were like the vast ocean—so deep and calm, you could lose yourself in them.

I must have stared for too long, because in that brief moment when our eyes met, I felt a jolt. Flustered, I quickly looked away.

"Well that was awkward" I mentally said as I try to focus on Daniela.

"And that guy next to him talking to the girls" she continued.

I followed her gaze, and my eyes landed on the guy she was talking about. He had raven-black hair that fell just above his sharp, angular features, the dark strands contrasting with the soft glow of the room. His presence was magnetic, like he had an aura that drew people in without effort. I couldn't help but notice the way he stood—confident, almost predatory, as if he was scanning the crowd for something or someone. His eyes, dark and intense, seemed to hold a story, but he was too busy playing the game to reveal it.

"Chester James Villa Luna," she started, her voice laced with an edge,

"he has the charisma of a predator, always on the hunt for his next prey. In other words, he's a—" She trailed off, not finishing the sentence.

I raised an eyebrow and finished her thought,

"So basically, he's a playboy?"

She nodded, a knowing look in her eyes.

"You bet. But that’s not all he’s known for. His family owns three of the biggest clubs here in the Philippines. I’m pretty sure he spends so much time at them that it’s turned him into a total girl magnet." She lowered her voice, almost as if saying it aloud made it more real.

At first glance you would think that his a gentleman but to me, he isn't. I recognized him as one of the guys I encountered earlier. I know he saw me, but he just ignored me treating me like so invisible wall. After Dani's introduction I think it made me dislike him even more now.

"Oh, and don’t forget about the guy in the middle," she said with a smirk.

"That’s Ethan Rafael Virmudo, AKA the leader of the Quinsters. His family owns this school, which makes him practically untouchable. No matter what he does, the teachers can’t touch him—he’s never punished, and they’re all too scared to do anything. They’re just afraid of losing their jobs," she chuckled, nodding toward the guy standing confidently in the middle of the three.

He had almond-colored hair that perfectly framed his face, paired with a sharp, piercing gaze—one that could make you feel uneasy just by being in the same room. It was the kind of look that sent a chill down your spine, as if he could see right through you.

The classroom buzzed with energy as Dani glanced around, scanning every inch of the room.

"There are two others, but it seems like they’re not here yet," she muttered, craning her neck as though the missing boys would materialize from thin air.

Great theres still more of them?

Minutes passed, and the teacher finally arrived, prompting the girls to stop fussing over the three boys and return to their seats. The trio remained standing at the front, looking like they were waiting to be introduced.

I rolled my eyes at the thought.

"Good morning, class. I’m Miss Catherine Saragoza, and I will be your homeroom teacher. Nice to meet you all," the teacher said with a warm smile as she stood in front of us.

A faint tapping sound drew my attention. I turned my head and saw that it was coming from the so-called leader of the trio, impatiently drumming his shoe against the marble floor. The teacher noticed too.

"Oh, and these fine gentlemen here will be your classmates," she announced, stepping aside to give the boys center stage.

The leader stepped forward with a bold expression.

"Ethan Rafael Virmudo. Mess with me or my gang, and you’re out," he declared in a tone so cold that some of our classmates gulped.

"Great, just what we needed—a wannabe gangster in our class." I mentally rolled my eyes

Next, the blonde one stepped up, flashing a princely smile that made half the girls in the room squeal.

"I am Zyden Alexter Wilson, but you can call me Zyden. I’m pleased to meet you all."

He’s definitely the "gentleman prince" type on the surface, but something about him felt off. To me, he looked like the kind of guy who’d stand idly by while his friends bullied someone.

Call me judgmental, but Dad always said appearances can be deceiving.

Before I knew it, the third guy had stepped forward. He was grinning like he was ready to put on a show.

"Chester James Villa Luna, but you can call me CJ," he said, ending his introduction with a playful wink that sent the girls into another frenzy.

"Ugh, talk about a show-off," I muttered under my breath as I again rolled my eyes.

What’s with the taste of the girls in this school? First, they’re obsessing over a wannabe, a two-faced prince, and now a womanizer? What’s next—worshipping a monkey?

"Now that that’s settled, let’s get you boys seated," Miss Saragoza said, scanning the room for empty chairs.

Unfortunately for me, the seats behind and beside me were vacant. There was still hope, though—a seat near Daniela and another in the front row were also free. Please, let them pick those instead.

While Miss Saragoza tried to figure it out, half the class was busy trying to claim the trio as seatmates, even going so far as to ask others to move. I turned my attention elsewhere, looking out the window.

We were on the third floor, and the view was stunning. The mini garden behind the Senior High School building looked like something out of a postcard, its greenery vibrant and peaceful.

As I admired the scene, my eyes caught sight of someone perched on the largest branch of a tree. A boy, fast asleep, was leaning against the trunk. The sunlight hit his hair, making it seem like it was on fire.

"He looks so peaceful," I whispered to myself, unable to tear my eyes away. There was something strangely captivating about him, even in such an ordinary moment.

"He’s doing it again?" a voice next to me asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. Startled, I turned to find Zyden, his lips curved into that princely smile of his—the kind that could melt hearts in an instant but always left a trace of doubt about its sincerity.

"Great. Prince Charming is my seatmate," I thought bitterly. Could my luck get any worse?

"As far as I know, my name isn’t Prince Charming," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. My jaw dropped.

"Did you—?" I stammered, my voice caught between shock and embarrassment.

He nodded slightly, confirming my worst fear. He’d heard my thoughts—or, worse, I’d said them out loud. It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over me. This wasn’t like me! How could I let something so careless slip out?

"Anyway, I’m—" he began, his tone casual, but I cut him off before he could finish.

"Yeah, I know who you are." I straightened up, trying to regain control of the situation.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Zyden Alexter Wilson." My voice was formal, professional even, as I extended my hand for a handshake.

Zyden paused, caught off guard. His deep blue eyes darted from my hand to my face, as if trying to figure me out. Finally, he took my hand, his grip firm but warm. He hesitated, though, as if the formality of my approach had thrown him off.

"Atheana Jean Salvador," I added, keeping my tone crisp and businesslike.

My father always said it was better to establish boundaries early on, and I wasn’t about to let someone like Zyden—charming as he might appear—blur any lines

"Now, class—" Miss Saragoza’s voice cut through our little interaction. She had stopped speaking mid-sentence, her gaze fixed on something outside.

"MR. ZACKARY DEGUZMAN! GET DOWN FROM THERE THIS INSTANT!" she yelled, her tone filled with frustration.

I didn’t need to look to know who she was talking about. There was only one person perched on that tree.

"Ha, she finally noticed him," someone behind me commented.

I caught a glimpse of almond-colored hair and realized, to my horror, that Ethan was sitting directly behind me. To make matters worse, the Chester guy had taken the seat beside Daniela, who was right in front of me.

The unfortunate scene I’d been dreading all morning was now playing out in real-time.

"Ugh!" my inner voice screamed.

Could this day get any worse?