Rom-Com

Donovan had stepped off the stage, the lady in the black dress at his side, Rihana trailing close behind like a determined shadow. She is going to steal Donovan's first kiss. And that's the only thing occupying her thoughts at the moment.

The stage merged with a smooth hum below the floor, and the fight club transformed almost instantly. The DJ stepped in, filling the venue with thumping music and vibrant neon lights. What was once a fierce battleground now throbbed with energy, transforming into a temporary nightclub.

The woman dressed in black began engaging with all the guests. Rihana, however, was focused entirely on Donovan. She trailed behind him, her heels clicking against the floor like a countdown.

Her heart raced as she watched him approach the door to his room, his broad shoulders and composed demeanour fueling her determination. Tonight was the night—she wouldn't let anyone or anything stop her.

Donovan arrived at his room and was just about to turn the doorknob when Logan swooped in like heroes in a rom-com.

"Rihana," Logan said, his voice firm but polite. "I need to have a word with Donovan. Do you mind giving us a moment?" His eyes locked onto hers, unyielding, almost daring her to argue. His expression looked so severe that it could have prevented even sea waves from holding their tides for a while.

Donovan was absolutely stunned. His brow furrowed as he stared at Logan. Logan—the same Logan who, along with Kai, had spent countless evenings egging him on about Rihana—was now suddenly the voice of restraint.

'Was it conceivable that the sun had risen in the west that day? Had the universe flipped on its axis? Was Logan auditioning for some kind of interventionist role?′

Not only was Donovan confused, but Rihana had the same expression on her face.

She blinked, her carefully crafted plans dying in an instant. 'What's happening?' she thought, her frustration bubbling beneath her composed exterior. 'Logan had never pried into her affairs—why was he doing it now? And what was with this odd, almost dramatic flair?'

But Rihana, who had mastered the art of polite smiling while cursing internally, said, "Of course," her voice calm and agreeable, though her hands curled into fists at her sides. Her heart burned in rage. If she had the power of fire, two people—Kai and Logan — would have been burned to the ashes tonight.

She turned on her heel and stalked away, her heart seething in a storm of rage.

Donovan shook his head and his confusion giving way to exasperation. Without another word, he stepped into his room, letting the door close behind him. Yet even in the solitude, his reprieve was short-lived.

Logan and Kai strolled in moments later, their expressions an infuriating mix of smug amusement and poorly masked concern. Kai leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed, while Logan stood awkwardly near the door.

Donovan dismissed them and headed off to take a shower while Kai and Logan stood by, awaiting his return.

Donovan emerged from a swift shower, a towel wrapped snugly around his waist. Kai assisted him in trying to wrap bandages around his palm and arm, injured by Hiro's sharp finger rings.

He wore a deep black suit. Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his tie, his reflection impeccably polished. The suit fit him flawlessly, and his presence was authoritative even in these calm moments.

"So," Donovan began, glancing at their reflections. "What's going on with you two?" His gaze flicked to their reflections in the mirror. "First, Kai decides to toss a champagne bottle like we're in some medieval tavern, and now you're both playing my guardian devil? Care to explain?"

Logan shifted on his feet, his discomfort evident. He ran a hand through his hair, his usual confident smirk absent. "We just think…" he started, his words fumbling. "Maybe you should take things slow with Rihana."

Donovan raised an eyebrow, his hands pausing on his tie. "Take it slow?" His tone was dry, dripping with scepticism."And what, exactly, brought on this sudden concern for my pacing?"

Kai grinned, his usual mischievousness sparkling in his eyes. "Just saying, sometimes rushing into things isn't the best idea. You never know—you might run into someone who flips your world upside down."

Donovan let out a low laugh, the sound more amused than genuine. He finally turned to face them, his tie now loosely draped around his neck. "Oh, is that so?" His smirk was sharp, daring. "And what if I decide to do the exact opposite?"

Kai's grin faltered for the first time, his posture stiffening. "No!No!No!" His tone turned serious, almost panicked.

"That's exactly what we're trying to avoid. You'll end up stuck in a mess you can't untangle." Wrinkles formed between his eyebrows, "Bro, you need to relax and trust us."

Donovan shook his head, letting out a sigh of disbelief. His voice was low and yet dangerous. "You two have officially lost it."

He turned back to the mirror. His tie now resembled a tangled knot. Despite the ridiculousness of their reasons, Donovan couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't telling him the actual cause. Something about their urgency felt… calculated.

With a resigned sigh, he abandoned the tie altogether and moved toward the door. "Whatever..."

The trio left the room together, stepping into the vibrant, to join their friends and others at the party.

And Caspian? He had already left right after the fight.

******

The weekend flew by, and soon, it was the first day of college after vacation. Before college hours began, Liora and Rachel walked through the campus gates together. Rachel made Liora familiarise herself with the place.

The university campus was a stunning mix of history and nature. At the entrance, a large 'parking lot' welcomed students, leading to a 'pathway lined with manicured gardens' on either side, offering a refreshing transition from the modern world to the university's timeless charm.

The 'cafeteria and café' came into view next, offering indoor and outdoor seating space. Outdoor seating with wooden benches nestled among lush green grass provided the perfect spot for casual conversations or solitary study sessions.

To the right of the café, across the walkway, a slope led up to a small hill where students frequently relaxed on the lush British-style grass, enjoying the shade provided by a row of tall trees. Once we made our way up there, there was another pathway for a walk with benches for seating, and then a hill descended to meet a 'narrow river stream,' its crystal-clear water flowing gently, shallow enough to invite a cool breeze but not deep enough to pose a threat.

Walking further, the main building, the 'administration building,' came into sight, a magnificent stone structure with thick, ancient walls. Its design was reminiscent of medieval castles, with 'stone pillars' adorning the 'long corridors' and hallways. These corridors were cool even in the summer, their thick walls insulating them from the outside heat.

The university library stood proudly at the heart of the main building—a 'towering stone and glass structure.' Its arched entrances and high windows hinted at the treasures within. Inside, rows of mahogany bookshelves stretched toward the ceiling, filled with books from every imaginable discipline. The scent of old paper and polished wood filled the air, and soft lamps cast a golden glow over study tables.

Liora breathed in the enchanting scent of the library and turned to Rachel. Her eyes sparkling with excitement, she exclaimed, "Rachel, this university feels like a castle! I swear, I feel like a princess here, and this....." she gestured dramatically around her, "—is my fortress!" She brought her hands closer to her heart, holding one palm against the other.

Rachel laughed, seeing Liora's expression. "We all have experienced the same feeling during our first semester." Rachel looked around. "The architecture is stunning. It almost feels magical, doesn't it?"

Liora wholeheartedly concurred with Rachel's remark. Her imagination was already running wild, transporting her to the ′Victorian era.′ She closed her eyes, "Absolutely!" She then opened her eyes to meet Rachel's, "Just look at those towers! It feels as if we've stepped into a storybook. Don't you think we should be dressed in gowns and crowns?"

Rachel laughed, "Maybe we'll find a ball to crash tonight!"

Liora smiled, her voice dreamy. "Yes! Can you imagine all the possibilities ahead of us? It's like I am at the start of our own adventure."

Rachel grinned. "I can't wait to see what this castle..." she cleared her throat, "I mean, what University has in store for you!"

Rachel led Liora outside the main building. Behind the main building, the academic wings formed a ′three-sided rectangular structure,′ open on one side, giving it a half-rectangle shape. One could see the fountain—an ′ornate centrepiece' surrounded by cobblestone paths. The open area allowed sunlight to illuminate the fountain and water.

The gentle sound of water flowing from the fountain created a calming atmosphere. It mixed well with the occasional songs of birds.

Liora soaked in the view. "I can already picture myself skipping classes and hanging out here, feeding the birds," she said with a wistful smile.

Rachel shot her a playful look, eyebrows raised. "Sure, and you'll picture yourself in detention next," she replied dryly. "Feeding the birds is strictly prohibited for students here. And skipping too many classes? That'll get your report sent straight to your parents."

Liora frowned, her excitement dimming. "This feels like being back in school again."

Rachel chuckled. "Well, you are at 'Royal Dominion Academy,' now known as 'The Quantam Future,' not some casual campus. This is where nobles and royals came to study 200 years ago. Everything is strict. They're preparing leaders here, not slackers."

Liora sighed, "Great...My royal castle prison."

Rachel further clarified to Liora, pointing her fingers at each wing. "The three wings housed lecture halls and practical labs, each section dedicated to a specific discipline. The left wing allotted to science and engineering students, the centre echoed with debates from humanities classes, and the right wing was abuzz with creative energy from arts and design students." Liora nodded, paying attention to Rachel's words.

Liora tilted her head, eyes sparkling as she studied the hallways of the middle wing adjacent to the fountain. "So, my class must be in the centre, right?"

"Right!" Rachel confirmed.

The entire university felt like a place where history and nature coexisted. The ′stone walls' whispered stories of centuries past, while the open green spaces and flowing stream promised renewal and peace.

As they approached the central wing and took the stairs to the first floor, they walked down a lengthy corridor until they reached an elaborate space at the end, where a series of student lockers lined up. They paused at a specific locker. Rachel pointed to it once they reached the locker area.

"That locker belongs to Caspian," she quietly revealed.

Liora moved closer to Caspian's locker. She gazed at the locker for a brief moment, placing her hand on the chilly metal frame, contemplating that this was a spot Caspian had touched many times before.

She glanced at her beige tote and retrieved a pink envelope, which had been carefully written and sealed earlier that morning. Her fingers trembled slightly as she held it.

She preferred not to reach out to Caspian by phone since she was still upset with him for not keeping his promise and disappearing for four months without saying anything. Instead, she chose the classic approach of writing him a love letter. Until he recognised her, she would write him letters.

With one last look around to ensure no one was around, Liora slipped the pink envelope into the locker slot. Her heart fluttered as if it had wings. "Okay. Done," she breathed out, her fingers still tingling. She hoped that her words would reach him in the way she intended.

"Let's hurry to administration before we get caught by Caspian," Rachel remarked, and they left immediately.

As the minutes passed, the campus came alive with students filling the grounds, corridors, and classrooms. The new faces were near the administration or walking towards it. Near the administration office, a few seniors gathered, and their attention was caught by a peculiar pattern.

"Is it just me, or do all the new girls seem to be blonde?" a senior commented, his voice filled with humour.

Another senior giggled, shaking her head. "Was there a hidden 'blonde only' policy at the college for new freshmen?"

The group burst into laughter and clicked a few pictures of the new student standing outside the administration.

"Blonde Ambition 2024!" The joke spread quickly on Insta, quickly turning into a trendy hashtag among the students at Valtham.

In the administration office, the professors were tasked with directing the students to their assigned classrooms for each newcomer course. They received their identification cards and reference materials for upcoming classes.

Liora entered her classroom and noticed every detail of the room.

The high, arched ceiling had intricate carvings, and the thick stone walls showed faint signs of medieval art. Large windows reached up high, filling the room with soft natural light and creating a calm, almost sacred atmosphere.

The room was spacious. The polished desks were arranged in a semicircle for a clear view of the lecture in rows, and the cushioned chairs offered both elegance and comfort.

A whiteboard was mounted on the wall, and a solid wooden lectern was positioned to the right. A black projector hung quietly from the ceiling, blending well with the historic setting. The lighting, designed to mimic the warm glow of candlelight, came from hidden electric bulbs. This kept the room's ancient charm while providing good lighting.

Liora sat down in an unoccupied chair. Gradually, the room became filled with around 35 students, and shortly thereafter, the professor entered.

"Good morning, everyone," the man at the front of the classroom said, his tone strong yet welcoming, reflecting the respect he had earned over many years. "I am Professor Aryan Daven, and I will lead you through the complexities of law."

He stopped for a moment, scanning the room with a keen look that appeared to perceive more than just the outside of each student. He was dressed in a tailored navy suit paired with a white shirt. He looked polished and professional and had an approachable personality. His salt-and-pepper hair and neatly trimmed beard hinted at years of experience, while his piercing brown eyes conveyed a sharp intellect.

"I have spent over two decades in the legal field, both in practice and academia. My primary areas of expertise are constitutional and international law, but I assure you our discussions will not be confined to textbooks. Real-world application is the heart of understanding law, and that is exactly where we will focus."

He placed his hands lightly on the lectern, leaning forward just enough to emphasize his next point. His eyes stopped at Liora's face for a second, and a brief frown appeared before it disappeared quickly.

"My expectations are simple: show up prepared, lesser the absences of each student, participate actively, and think critically."

A faint smile appeared on his lips, softening his otherwise intense presence. "I look forward to engaging with each of you." He walked to the centre, "Let's begin from the left corner and have everyone introduce themselves with their name."

The first day was all about introductions, a chance to ease into the year before the real work began, making it a more relaxed experience than the days ahead.

Liora stood up during her turn, her voice steady despite the nervous energy in the room.

"Hi, call me Li," she said, keeping her introduction short. She'd decided to go by the nickname to keep Sven—or anyone else who might know her name—from recognising her.

Her transformation wasn't just in name. Gone were the soft, innocent features of her past. She now carried herself with confidence, wearing new transformation makeup she had learned from her mother and blending seamlessly into her new surroundings.

The day moved smoothly until the seniors entered the classroom after introductions had wrapped up.