Secretes in the shadow -II

Days passed quickly as classes began at Greenwood High.

The campus buzzed with energy—students mingling in hallways and laughter echoing through classrooms. Yet amidst all this excitement, I couldn't shake off my father's warning 😞 ⚠️ or the lingering thoughts of Arya. One afternoon during lunch break, Julie and Ziya insisted we sit outside under a sprawling oak tree. The sun filtered through its leaves, casting playful shadows on our table.

"I can't believe how many cute guys are here!" Julie exclaimed while scrolling through her phone.

"And have you seen Arya? He's like a walking dream!" Ziya rolled her eyes playfully. "You're obsessed! But honestly, he does have that "mysterious hero' vibe."

I smiled faintly but felt a pang of guilt for not fully engaging in their excitement.

My mind kept drifting back to my father's warning and how it seemed connected to this new chapter in my life. Just then, Arya appeared at our table with a casual confidence that made my heart race again.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked with an easy smile. Julie practically squealed while Ziya nodded eagerly. "Of course! We were just talking about how amazing you are."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks as Arya turned his attention toward me.

"And what about you? What do you think?"

I stammered slightly before managing to say, "It's been… great so far."

He laughed softly, making it impossible not to smile back at him. As we chatted about classes and college life, I found myself drawn into his magnetic presence—his passion for literature and art igniting something within me. But just as things were starting to feel comfortable, a shadow loomed over us—literally and figuratively—as another student approached our table with an air of arrogance.

"Well if it isn't Mr. Popular,"