Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE: BENEATH THE Surface

Kairose was already in class when he walked in.

Late, as always, like time bent around him. The room hushed for exactly one breath—and then exploded with excited whispers as he tossed his bag onto the desk and leaned against it like it was a throne.

Katio looked lethal that morning.

Black turtleneck hugging his body, watch flashing as he ran a hand through his hair, and that infernal smirk resting on his lips like he knew how filthy every girl in the room wanted to be for him.

“Good morning,” he said, deep voice vibrating across the walls. “Let’s begin with tragedy today.”

He turned to write Othello on the board.

Kairose rolled her eyes. Oh, the irony.

But then it began.

Lila giggled. Loudly. “Sir, did you get a haircut?”

He turned, slow, with that glint in his eye. “Noticed, did you?”

Kairose froze.

He never responded to that girl.

“Looks good,” another girl chirped. “Like… really good.”

Katio’s grin widened. “Appreciated.”

He was enjoying it. Drinking in the attention like wine.

Then, the worst part—he walked down the aisle between desks. Stopped beside Lila. Leaned in, whispering something. She laughed too loud, touching his arm like she owned a piece of him.

Kairose watched, nails digging into her thigh.

He didn’t even look her way.

He spent the next twenty minutes smiling, cracking jokes, making eye contact with every girl but her. His tone was playful. His mouth dangerous. And his body… his body leaned close, lingered too long, invited want.

She hated how her chest burned.

She hated how he knew it.

He glanced at her once—barely a flicker—and the amusement in his eyes was cruel.

You wanted to act like I was nothing? his gaze seemed to say. Fine. Now I’ll show you what nothing feels like.

When class ended, girls swarmed his desk like honey-starved bees.

“Professor Storm, can I stay behind and ask you something?” “Do you have a girlfriend?” “Are you seeing anyone?”

He chuckled, low and easy. “I’m spoken for,” he said, eyes dancing.

Kairose’s breath caught.

But then he added, “But not very attached.”

The laughter that followed hit her like glass.

She shoved her books into her bag and walked out, chin high, lips sealed.

But her heart?