CHAPTER TWELVE: OF INTERCOM SCANDALS, HOODIE RETREATS, AND THE BOY WHO STILL KNEW IT WAS ME
RIYEE'S POV
I thought summer break was already chaotic enough. Apparently, that wasn't even the peak.
Welcome to Supreme Allievo Academy—where classes feel like training grounds for future CEOs, and the Acquaintance Ball? Treated more seriously than a royal wedding.
"Just four days left, Rielle! Who's your date?"
"Can I apply? Even just as backup?"
Oh, for the love of lip tint and inner peace.
Lately, I think dodging boys—who act like they're carrying engagement rings—is basically my cardio.
Some of them? Brave enough to show up.
Others? Passing messages through Jodie or Mico—like a soap opera with its own soundtrack.
"Jo, seriously. How many is that today?"
"Eighth. Just today." Jodie laughed while typing on her phone. "You're breaking records."
"More like breaking my will to socialize."
Insert exaggerated eye roll here.
I miss summer.
The peace. Fewer people. No school. No questions.
Just the orphanage, the kids... and KD.
The chill version of KD. No blazer. Messy hair. Always carrying sarcasm and hot chocolate.
But the KD at school? Stoic. Cold. Calculated. Always with a checklist.
Presidential.
Ugh. Hard pass.
But the KD on the terrace? The one who brings me food even when I'm not hungry.
The one who loses arguments but still listens.
The one who smiles even when I'm being a brat.
That KD? Gone. As in, Missing In Allievo.
Well, not totally gone. I still see him around campus. Running around like Mr. Allievo Agenda 24/7—okay fine, he is the Student Council President, after all.
But it's annoying to look at him. Always looking late but somehow still composed.
Like... tired. He's losing weight. Paler. Doesn't come up to the terrace anymore.
No more late-night stories. No more stolen glances.
No smile. No smirk. Nothing. Ugh.
And yes—I hate that I care.
So what did I do? Woke up at 4AM like a desperate clown, went to school two freaking hours early, and slipped something into his locker.
Food. With a note:
"Eat. Or I'll haunt you."
Complete with a frown face drawing, of course. Branding is branding.
No one saw. Good. I'm not gonna be the first to cave.
We had a deal, right? No interaction at school. Less drama. Less complication. But no matter how much I pretend, I can't really escape his presence.
As I walked down the hallway, I could feel the stares and hear the whispers.
"Who's that mystery guy with Rielle yesterday?"
"I heard there was hand-holding outside Casiana Café."
Wow. Should I start charging appearance fees?
I walked through campus like I was floating above the drama.
Chin up. Sarcasm ready.
Jodie and Xylia flanking me like an entourage.
"Good morning to you and your mystery man," Xylia teased.
"If only I had one," I muttered. "But sure, let them write fanfiction. Maybe tomorrow I'll have a love child."
When we reached the classroom?
Whispers. Stares. Glares.
Like I was personally responsible for global warming.
YOU ARE READING
STRINGS BETWEEN US
Teen Fiction"A slow-burn teen romance threaded with secrets, rivalries, and a dangerous past neither of them remembers-until it comes for them." ✧ STRINGS BETWEEN US ✧ She left her crown behind. He ruled with silence. But some strings pull-no matter how far you...
