Hidden Brilliance 2

Seo's eyes narrowed; her usual calm demeanor was replaced with palpable tension. The atmosphere in the classroom grew heavy as Rose approached us, her every step exuding confidence.

"Hello, Riley," Rose said, her voice like a melodious chime. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Not at all…" I replied, trying to keep my composure. "What brings you here?"

Rose smiled at my question. "I was in the area and thought I'd drop by to see how you're doing," she said, her eyes flickering to Seo for a moment before returning to me. "And maybe join you for lunch?"

"Riley and I already have plans…" Seo interjected, looking at Rose with a subtle bloodlust underneath her gaze.

"Is that so?" Rose said casually, ignoring Seo's apparent hostility before looking at me again. "Well, do you mind if I join?"

"Yes." Seo said firmly.

"I wasn't asking you, Miss Seo…" Rose retorted, her tone cool and unbothered.

"….."

"….."