Chapter 4: Peaceful Encounter (?)

The first day of the merger between East Woods High and West Woods High dawned bright and clear, but the atmosphere was anything but calm. The students from East Woods High arrived in groups, their expressions a mix of defiance and curiosity. They were entering unfamiliar territory, a place where they were seen as outsiders.

Xian walked through the gates of West Woods High with his usual air of confidence, his friends close behind him. The pristine campus, with its manicured lawns and modern buildings, was a stark contrast to the rougher environment of East Woods High. Xian's eyes narrowed as he took in his surroundings. He could feel the stares of the West Woods students, their judgmental glances making his skin prickle with irritation.

"Look at them," Lian muttered, his voice low. "They think they're so much better than us."

Xian smirked, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Let them think what they want. We'll show them who we are soon enough."

The morning passed in a blur of introductions and orientation sessions. The teachers tried their best to foster a sense of unity, but the divide between the two groups was palpable. Xian sat through the sessions with a bored expression, his mind already wandering to the potential clashes that would inevitably arise.

By lunchtime, the tension had reached a boiling point. The cafeteria was a battleground, with the students of East Woods High and West Woods High occupying separate tables. Xian and his friends found a spot near the back, their presence a defiant statement.

As Xian bit into his sandwich, he noticed a group of West Woods students approaching. Leading them was a tall, dark-haired boy with a cold, handsome face. Xian recognized him immediately: Vios, the prodigy of West Woods High. The one everyone spoke about with a mix of awe and fear.

Vios stopped in front of Xian's table, his eyes locking onto Xian's with an intensity that made the air crackle. "You're sitting in our spot," Vios said, his voice calm but authoritative.

Xian leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Your spot? Didn't know the cafeteria had assigned seating."

Vios' eyes narrowed, and the tension in the room escalated. The students around them watched with bated breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

"Maybe it's time you learned how things work here," Vios said, his tone icy.

Xian stood up, his movements slow and deliberate. He was shorter than Vios, but his presence was no less commanding. "And maybe it's time you learned that we're not here to play by your rules."

The two boys stood toe to toe, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The air was thick with anticipation, the cafeteria eerily quiet as everyone watched the confrontation unfold.

Lian and the others tensed, ready to back Xian up if things escalated. But Xian held up a hand, signaling them to stay back. This was his fight.

"Let's get one thing straight," Xian said, his voice low but firm. "We're not here to bow down to you or anyone else. We're here to show that we belong. So if you've got a problem with that, we can settle it right here, right now."

A murmur ran through the crowd, the tension almost unbearable. Vios' eyes flashed with something akin to respect, but it was quickly masked by his usual cold demeanor.

"You think you can take me?" Vios challenged, his voice barely above a whisper.

Xian's smirk widened. "I know I can."

For a moment, it seemed like the two boys would come to blows right then and there. But before things could escalate further, a teacher intervened, stepping between them with a stern expression.

"Enough!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the tension. "This is not how we resolve conflicts. Both of you, to the principal's office. Now."

Xian and Vios exchanged one last glare before reluctantly stepping back. The crowd dispersed, the students returning to their meals with hushed whispers and furtive glances.

As they walked to the principal's office, the animosity between Xian and Vios was palpable. Neither spoke, but the silence was charged with unspoken challenges and unresolved tension.

In the principal's office, Mr. Thompson and Ms. Zhang sat behind the desk, their expressions a mix of disappointment and concern.

"Do you two understand the importance of this merger?" Mr. Thompson asked, his tone stern. "We're trying to create a unified community, not foster more division."

Xian crossed his arms, his expression defiant. "We're not the ones making it difficult."

Ms. Zhang sighed. "We understand that there are differences between the two schools, but we expect you to set an example. This behavior is unacceptable."

Vios remained silent, his cold gaze fixed on a point just above the principals' heads. Xian could sense the disdain radiating from him, and it only fueled his own anger.

"Consider this a warning," Ms. Zhang said, her voice firm. "Any further incidents will result in serious consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," Xian muttered, his voice dripping with reluctance.

"Understood," Vios said, his tone devoid of emotion.

As they left the office, the tension between them remained. They walked in silence, their mutual disdain hanging heavy in the air.

"This isn't over," Vios said quietly, his voice barely audible.

Xian glanced at him, his eyes hard. "Not by a long shot."