chapter 3 -Ethan vs Zayn

The next day dawned bright and clear, and despite the chaos and uncertainty from the night before, I found myself excited for my first official day of classes. This was supposed to be the beginning of something great, the first step toward everything I had worked so hard for.

I got ready in my attached bathroom, letting the steam from the shower clear my mind. I couldn't afford distractions, especially not from people like Zayn. Last night's encounter was still vivid in my mind, but I pushed it away, determined to focus on the day ahead.

Eva and I headed to the hostel mess for breakfast, where students from both wings gathered. It was early, and I noticed the way the right-wing students, who Eva said had a certain reputation, carried themselves with an air of arrogance. Meanwhile, the left-wing students, like myself, seemed more reserved. I wasn't sure how I felt about the division, but I'd figure it out in time. Today, I just wanted to survive my first day.

"You ready for your first class?" Eva asked, her tray loaded with food as we found a seat near the back.

"I think so," I replied, my stomach flipping with nerves. "I just hope I don't get lost again."

Eva laughed. "You'll be fine. Just stick with me."

After breakfast, we made our way to the classroom, and my jaw nearly dropped when I stepped inside. The room was massive, more like an auditorium than a typical classroom. Rows of seats stretched out in front of us, and it could easily fit at least 500 students. There were only a few people scattered around at first, but I could tell it was going to fill up fast.

I followed Eva to a seat near the middle, trying to get a feel for the room. As we sat down, she nudged me and gestured toward a boy sitting a few rows ahead of us.

"That's Ethan," she whispered. "One of the top students here. Doesn't talk much, doesn't date. He's... well, let's just say you'll see what I mean."

I glanced at Ethan, and my heart skipped a beat. He was charming, in a quiet, understated way. His dark hair was neatly styled, and there was a sharp intelligence in his eyes that made me instantly curious. He sat alone, focused on something in front of him, completely unaware of the attention he was getting from various students in the room.

He was the kind of guy that didn't need to say much to make an impression. The mystery of him was what intrigued people. I found myself staring longer than I intended, quickly looking away when Eva caught me.

"Told you," she teased with a smirk. "He's like that with everyone. Mysterious, quiet, no girlfriends, no drama."

I nodded, trying to play it cool, but my mind kept wandering back to the boy who seemed like the complete opposite of someone like Zayn. Ethan seemed safe, like the kind of guy who could offer stability and focus. Zayn, on the other hand... well, he was trouble, plain and simple.

The classroom continued to fill up as the minutes passed, and soon, the principal entered. The chatter died down instantly as everyone gave him their attention. He stood at the front of the room, a welcoming smile on his face.

"Good morning, students," he said, his voice carrying through the massive space. "Welcome to the final leg of your high school journey. This year will be challenging, but it will also be the most rewarding. I hope each of you will take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. Remember, this is your time to shine."

His speech was short but effective, and after a round of applause, he handed the floor over to one of the teachers. She stood at the front of the room with a clipboard, ready to take attendance.

The teacher began calling out names, and I tried to focus on my breathing, keeping my nerves in check. When she called my name, I raised my hand quickly.

"Amira."

"Here," I said, my voice steady despite the slight tremble in my hands.

The teacher continued down the list, calling out name after name. And then she paused, her eyes scanning the room.

"Zayn."

I froze. My heart rate spiked as I turned, my gaze automatically searching for him.

There, in the far corner of the room, Zayn raised his hand casually. His posture was relaxed, his long legs stretched out in front of him, one arm draped over the back of his chair. He looked completely at ease, as if the chaos of the world couldn't touch him. And then he turned his head—slowly, deliberately—until his eyes locked onto mine.

The impact was immediate. I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room, leaving me lightheaded and disoriented. His gaze was intense, dark, and completely unflinching. It was as though he could see right through me, like he knew all the thoughts I was trying to hide.

I quickly turned back around, my face burning. What the hell was wrong with me? Why did he have this effect on me? I hadn't even spoken to him, yet his presence alone was enough to throw me off balance.

There was something about Zayn that was dangerous, yes—but there was also something about him that drew me in, despite everything.

The rest of the class passed in a blur. I was too distracted to focus, my mind replaying the brief exchange of glances between me and Zayn. What did it mean? Why was I so affected by him?