JANNAT_KAZBOURI

Ariana Ramirez, the only girl in the unruly Class D, finds herself caught in a dangerous game between Alex Sanchez and Mark Panamantara. What started as a plan for revenge soon turns into a web of emotions, jealousy, and unexpected revelations. With the arrival of her cousin Lara, everything takes a new turn. Amidst rivalries, alliances, and confusing feelings, Ariana must face her emotions and decide her own path.

The rings of class D

Chapter 4: Unlikely Alliances

Class D was a disaster. Graffiti-covered walls, broken desks, guys who acted like they owned the place. It was a jungle, and apparently, I was the new animal dropped into the wild.

But if there was one thing I knew how to do, it was survive.

I leaned back in my chair, barely paying attention to the lesson. The teacher droned on like he knew no one was listening. Around me, guys whispered, joked, passed notes, or straight-up slept.

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. He was sitting next to me now—after I practically kicked him out of my seat earlier. Most guys would've been annoyed. But not him. He just smirked like he found me entertaining.

"Enjoying the show?" I muttered, not bothering to turn my head.

"Depends." His voice was smooth, laced with amusement. "Are you always this fun to watch?"

I smirked. "Are you always this nosy?"

He chuckled, leaning back. "Only when someone interesting walks into my class."

I turned to him fully this time, raising an eyebrow. "And you think I'm interesting?"

Diego tilted his head, brown eyes studying me. "You're a Ramirez. And yet... you don't act like one."

There it was again. That name. Like it was a badge I had to wear, like I was supposed to fit into some pre-made mold.

I rested my chin on my hand, pretending to think. "And what exactly is a 'Ramirez' supposed to act like?"

Diego shrugged, smirking. "Like trouble."

I laughed. "And what makes you think I'm not?"

His smirk deepened, like he knew something I didn't. "Guess I'll have to find out."

But before I could respond, a voice interrupted us.

I looked up to find Alex Miguel Sanchez staring at us. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his gaze—something sharp, something assessing.

I just smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

For the first time since I walked into this classroom, I wasn't the only one being watched. Now, Diego and I were on their radar.