CHAPTER ONE

...ALEXIS ...

Sauntering into college with my crew, we're a menacing force, emanating an aura of authority that demands compliance. Corridors bow to our presence as we sneer at those who dare fall short of our standards.

The once lively cafeteria undergoes a chilling metamorphosis in our wake. Laughter dissipates into an eerie silence as we navigate the space, our footsteps echoing a subtle reminder of the power we wield.

Spotting a table of nerds, it's a calculated conquest. We make them yield, seamlessly asserting our dominance. Seated like a don, I stretch my legs across the table, a gesture that signifies not just entitlement but a claim of territory. Surveying the subdued crowd, I seek not just entertainment but a hint of submission.

Two and a half years of this routine have forged an unspoken decree – silence isn't just preferred, it's expected in my presence. The cafeteria isn't merely a place to dine; it's a strategic arena where each takeover reinforces my position, a living testament to the intimidating legacy of the mafia don on campus.

As the atmosphere in the cafeteria remains captive to our intimidation, she strides in, laughter cascading around her like a breath of fresh air. The once stifling silence evaporates in her wake, a symphony of joy and exuberance.

With peers trailing behind her, she playfully runs past our table, and they come to an abrupt halt, eyes wide with disbelief, sensing the imminent trouble she's stirred. All attention converges on me, a shared acknowledgment that she's ventured into a realm where even the bravest tread carefully.

In a moment that defies the tension, she catches her breath, and teases with a playful grin, "Haha, what happened? Tired? You won't be able to catch me. Just give up already."

Seating herself, she giggles her eyes, like sparkling constellations, briefly meet mine. Her cheeks, flushed like cherries, radiate a warmth that transcends the cool façade of the room.

While her gaze momentarily lingers on mine, a subtle connection forms, a dance of unspoken emotions. Oblivious to the sudden fear etched on the faces around her, she looks back at her peers, her radiant smile undiminished. "Um... Guys? What happened?"

Little do we realize, At that moment, we become the unexpected protagonist in a romantic interlude that defies the ominous undertones of the surrounding drama.

...Lavanya ...

The day had this surreal vibe, hitting a high note with psychology class props and a slick getaway with Josh's cap. I mean, the hallway pursuit was straight out of an action flick.

But fast forward to the cafeteria, and it's like a switch flipped. Tension hangs in the air, and then I spot him - this dude, looking like a Greek god on a power trip. His eyes lock onto mine, a sinister grin etched across his face.

As if I'm his prime target, he casually lights up a cigarette. "New here, huh? Fresh meat?" he sneers, the smoke curling around him.

A quick signal to his posse, and suddenly I'm surrounded by these towering figures. "Time to school her on the ropes, boys!" he declares, his voice cutting through the cafeteria buzz.

Leaning in, he chuckles, smoke billowing, "Do you even know who I am, little girl?" I'm left there, feeling like a deer caught in headlights, my face turning crimson under his scrutiny.

It's like I've stumbled into a whole other dimension of high-stakes power play.

Thought, when was the last time a supposed tough guy sent shivers down my spine?

With a casual chuckle, I teased, "Oh, is this the infamous welcome committee in action?" Standing up, I waltzed over, playfully leaning in, and casually confiscated the cigarette, snuffing it out effortlessly.

Setting the record straight, I grinned, "Firstly, no smoking allowed on campus. Secondly, I've faced scarier gym rats - sorry, not impressed. Thirdly, even if you're packing heat, I've got some serious self-defense skills. And most importantly, you're a bit of a bore..." With a teasing glint, I locked eyes with him, lightly pinching his nose. "...but maybe, just maybe, a touch cute."

With a carefree sway of my hips, I adjusted my skirt and sashayed out of the cafeteria, not bothering to look back.

My friends tagged along, bombarding me with questions about the impromptu showdown, and I just grinned, keeping the playful vibe alive.

Oh, that was an adrenaline rush like no other, but why is my heart still racing? I mean, he was an undeniably eye candy - a bittersweet kind of temptation for real.

Something was intriguing in the way our worlds collided, and I could not shake off the flutter of excitement. I don't want to, to be honest.

Here's to the sweet ache of unexpected connections and the promise of more encounters that leave my heart in delightful turmoil. Can't wait for our next encounter, Mr. Cute Bully.

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