Chapter three

Kiara's POV

As I sat in class, a thrill ran through me when Kelvin's gaze met mine. I didn't care about the rest of the class—all I wanted was his attention. I had tried to approach him, to talk to him, to befriend him, but he had been cold, shutting me down every time.

I just wanted to be his friend, but I had my pride. I didn't want to seem desperate or like a stalker, so I let my pride stop me from trying again. I acted as if he didn't exist—pretending to be engrossed in my notes, avoiding eye contact, and trying to play it cool.

But it was hard to ignore the flutter in my chest when he was near, the way my heart raced when our eyes met.

Kelvin was a transfer student, and despite being with us for over five months, he still had no friends. He never smiled, never showed any warmth toward anyone who tried to get close to him. But there was something about him that drew me in—something impossible to resist.

I couldn't help but be drawn to him, and I still remembered the first time we met as if it were yesterday.

---

Flashback

Mr. Miller had asked me to bring some books to the library, and I was in a hurry. I didn't see what was in front of me until I collided with someone, sending all the books in my arms tumbling to the ground. That was when my gaze landed on him—Kelvin.

He stood there, looking at me with an unreadable expression as I frantically tried to gather the books and apologize.

His well-defined features and piercing eyes seemed to glow with an effortless charm, even with a serious expression. He had dark curls, a few loose strands falling across his forehead, giving him a slightly messy look. His fair skin was impossibly smooth—the kind you couldn't help but want to touch. His nose was straight and slender, and his lips... oh, his lips. They curled slightly at the corners, giving him a devil-may-care air that took my breath away.

And he was really tall—I was certain he was at least 6'1" or 6'2", making him stand out in a crowd. His athletic build was evident even under his casual attire. He wasn't just a Greek god—he was hotter than one.

His blue eyes met mine, and for a moment, my heart stopped. His gaze bore into my soul with an intensity that left me breathless—like he could see right through me.

As he drew closer, the fresh scent of citrus and woodsy notes filled the air around me, pulling me in.

"I-I'm so... I'm sorry," I forced the words out, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Kelvin didn't say anything. He just looked at me with a cold stare that sent shivers down my spine, then walked away. I thought he would at least help me pick up my books, but the look he gave me broke my heart. I was left standing there, feeling like a total idiot as I watched him disappear into the crowd.

I quickly packed up the books and rushed to the library, hurrying back to class to avoid being late. As I entered the classroom, that same sweet scent of citrus and woodsy notes filled my nostrils, and I swiftly scanned the room to find the source.

My eyes landed on him—Kelvin.

The hot new boy.

He was sitting in the back row, typing away on his phone. But as I walked in, he looked up, and our eyes met. My heartbeat increased; it was so loud I was sure he could hear it. But he quickly looked away and continued typing.

I took my seat, trying to focus on the lesson, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Kelvin. It was impossible to concentrate. I couldn't stop wondering what he was doing on his phone—or why he seemed so unapproachable.

Despite him always being cold to everyone around him, I found myself drawn to him, and I couldn't explain why.

I couldn't stop thinking of him, it was hard. I'd catch myself daydreaming about him in class. I knew it was impossible for him to like me, but it didn't matter. I found myself searching for him in the hallways, hoping to see his handsome face and gorgeous blue eyes.

I found myself craving his scent.

I couldn't explain it, but there was something about Kelvin that had captured my attention, and I couldn't let go of the thought that he was meant for me.

--

After English class, I walked down the stairs when I saw Kelvin coming up toward me. He was dressed in his basketball jersey, which highlighted his toned physique. He looked ten times hotter, and I couldn't help but stare at his athletic build.

Lost in my admiration, I didn't notice my classmate Dustin sticking out his leg, trying to trip me. I didn't see it coming. My feet flew out from under me, and I landed on the stairs with a thud, my soccer jersey bunching up at my back.

Kelvin, who was close by, hurried over. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, with a worried look.

I nodded. I was sure my face was as red as a tomato. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," I said.

Kelvin smiled and held out his hand. "Here, let me help you."

I hesitated before taking it, my heart hammering in my chest. I couldn't believe my clumsiness had led to this embarrassing moment, but I was grateful for Kelvin's kindness.

I was also surprised to see this side of him—he was always cold, yet now, he was smiling. And damn, that was probably the prettiest smile I had ever seen.

As I stood, Dustin snickered behind me. "Looks like someone's got a crush!"

My face flushed even redder, but Kelvin just shot him a warning glance before turning back to me. "You sure you're okay?" he asked again, his voice softer this time.

"I... I think I sprained my ankle," I admitted.

This wasn't how our love story was supposed to start, but I was glad he stayed to check on me.

"Let me take a look," he said, crouching down. His voice was gentle for the first time since I'd met him.

I couldn't believe this was happening. I paused for a moment before nodding. He carefully lifted my foot, and his touch sent shivers running down my spine.

"It's not too bad," he said. "But you should probably ice it to prevent swelling."

I nodded, a feeling of disappointment settling in my chest—our time together was ending too soon.

Then, out of nowhere, he offered to carry me to the school nurse's office.

I would be lying if I said that didn't surprise me.

"I'm fine, I promise. You don't have to," I said, embarrassed at the thought of being carried. I couldn't even imagine being in his arms.

Kelvin just smiled. Before I could protest further, he lifted me up with ease.

"I've got you," he said, his voice soft and calm.

With each step he took, my heart pounded a little harder.