chapter 2

[Paris, France]

Jane stretched her arms wide as she stepped into the motel lobby, spinning on her heels in excitement. "Finally... we're on vacation!" she squealed, her emerald eyes sparkling.

Serra, trailing behind, crossed her arms and arched an unimpressed brow. "Jane, why are you acting like a primary school kid?"

Jane pouted. "Hey, let me enjoy the moment! We're in Paris! The city of love."

Before Serra could retort, their teacher clapped her hands, calling for attention. "Alright, students, listen up. You're free to explore, but no one—and I mean no one—is allowed to go out alone. We'll tour the city together. Understood?"

The students exchanged amused glances before breaking into laughter. "As if we're gonna follow rules like kindergarten kids," someone muttered from the back.

The teacher sighed, clearly expecting such a response. "Take some rest now. See you all in the morning." Without further argument, she walked off toward her room.

Serra and Jane were about to head to their own room when Serra suddenly froze mid-step. The playful glint in her hazel eyes disappeared, her face falling in an instant.

Jane, noticing the shift, frowned. "Hey… why do you look like someone just stole your last slice of pizza?"

Serra didn't answer. Her gaze was locked on something—or rather, someone. Following her line of sight, Jane turned, and her expression instantly soured.

At the far end of the hallway, Charles was walking toward his room—with Diana Webber clinging to his arm, her blonde curls bouncing as she laughed at something he said.

Jane let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh… so that's the reason. Come on, Serra, leave that playboy already," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

Serra's jaw tightened, her hands curling into fists at her sides. Her knuckles turned white, the emotions flickering in her hazel eyes unreadable.

Jane huffed, clearly exasperated. "I still don't get why you ever had a crush on that guy."

As if on cue, Diana giggled, pressing herself even closer to Charles. Her manicured fingers trailed up his chest before she wrapped her arms around his neck. "The night is going to be long," she whispered in a sultry tone.

Charles didn't react much—just gave a small smile, his expression unreadable.

Jane scrunched her nose in disgust. "Ugh. Gross."

Before she could stop her, Serra suddenly turned on her heel and marched toward them with determined steps.

Jane's eyes widened. "Serra—don't go! Come back!" she called out, but Serra wasn't listening. Jane groaned, rubbing her temples. "Uff… this girl."

By the time she looked up again, Serra was already standing before them. Without hesitation, she reached out and grabbed Diana's wrist firmly.

Diana snapped her head toward her, irritation flashing in her icy blue eyes. "What the hell do you want?!"

Charles, ever the observer, raised an intrigued eyebrow at the sudden confrontation.

Serra's lips curled into a mischievous smirk. Her next words were loud and clear. "I want you—to sleep with me."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Jane slapped her forehead. "Oh God… someone take her away before she makes it worse."

Diana's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"

Even Charles blinked, momentarily speechless. His dark eyes studied Serra intently, as if trying to decipher whether she was serious. 'Don't tell me… she's into girls?'

Diana quickly yanked her hand away, stepping back as if Serra had just cursed her entire lineage. "Excuse me?! Have you lost your damn mind?"

Serra tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Please."

Diana's face twisted in sheer horror.

Charles smirked slightly, clearly entertained now.

And Jane—She was seriously considering dragging Serra away before things escalated any further.

Diana folded her arms, tilting her head with an exasperated sigh. "Look, I don't like you. Besides, I'm not into tomboyish-tacky girls like you."

Serra's lips curved into a slow, mischievous grin, her hazel eyes twinkling. "Awww, your voice is really sweet."

Diana blinked, her nose scrunching in disgust. "Ehh?!?"

Serra gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as if Diana had said something scandalous. "Wait... don't tell me you don't believe in your own beauty?!"

Charles, who had been quietly observing, turned his head slightly, pressing a fist to his lips, his shoulders shaking faintly. Amusement flickered in his dark eyes.

Diana huffed, flipping her golden curls over her shoulder with practiced elegance. "I know my voice is as beautiful as I am."

Serra leaned in just a little, her smirk deepening. "So… will you sleep with me now?"

Diana recoiled so fast she nearly stumbled. "Have you seriously lost your mind?!"

Charles' smirk widened, his gaze shifting between the two girls, clearly entertained.

Serra pouted, her fingers lightly toying with the hem of her hoodie. "Actually, Jane and Nick are going out, so Jane won't be in the room with me… and I can't sleep alone."

She clasped her hands together, her bottom lip jutting out in a perfect display of innocence. "Please? Will you accompany me tonight?"

Diana scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief before grabbing Charles' arm. "Shut up. That's not my headache. Charles, let's go."

Just as they turned, Serra took a step closer, lowering her voice to a teasing whisper. "I know you're a soft-hearted girl."

Diana's brows knitted together. "What?!"

Serra gasped again, her dramatic performance reaching its peak. "Do you have doubts about yourself too?"

Diana's lips parted slightly, confusion flickering in her striking blue eyes.

Charles let out a low chuckle, his lashes lowering as he studied Serra's antics with intrigue.

Serra rubbed the tip of her nose absentmindedly. "Please, Pretty Lady."

Jane, standing at a distance, groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "EW. Serra, enough! I'm done with you." With an exaggerated sigh, she shook her head and turned away. "I pity you, Diana."

Diana rolled her eyes, shifting her weight onto one hip, her irritation barely masked. "What do you want now, Serra?"

Serra placed a hand on her chest, her expression perfectly innocent. "Me? Oh, nothing much… just admiring how kind, beautiful, and generous you are."

Diana arched a brow but couldn't fully suppress the pleased smile tugging at her lips. "Well… that's true."

Serra clasped her hands together, her voice turning honeyed. "You're honestly an inspiration! So graceful, so soft-hearted. No wonder everyone in the university sees you as their ideal."

Diana's eyes sparkled, her posture straightening as she soaked in the praise. "Wait… really?"

"Of course! You truly deserve the title 'Lady Diana.'" Serra's lips curled subtly as she observed Diana's reaction.

Diana tilted her head slightly. "OMG… do students actually think that?"

Charles stood nearby, arms crossed, his expression unreadable as he watched Diana get lured into Serra's trap.

Diana's mind raced. 'If I help her, Charles will definitely be more impressed. Plus, I'll be the center of attention at university.'

Meanwhile, Serra smirked inwardly. 'Yes, my plan is working.'

Diana cleared her throat, straightening her shoulders. "Alright, fine. But on one condition."

Serra's eyes widened in faux admiration. "Anything for my idol."

Diana crossed her arms, her lips curling into a victorious smirk. "You'll post on your account that Lady Diana helped you and kept you company so you wouldn't have nightmares."

Serra placed a hand over her heart, her voice laced with exaggerated emotion. "Oh, Lady Diana, your kindness knows no bounds."

Diana flipped her hair confidently. "I know."

Charles shook his head slightly, a faint chuckle escaping him as he watched Serra's effortless manipulation unfold.

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