Childhood Sweetheart
slap
The morning sun hit the glass buildings of Zurich University like a spotlight. Sia adjusted her backpack straps, her heart racing. It was her first day. She wasn't the rich girl she used to be back in the mountain village, but she still carried herself like a queen.
Marco
Fresh meat!" a voice boomed.
Sia stopped. A tall, overly groomed senior with a leather jacket and way too much hair gel blocked her path. This was Marco, the campus playboy.
Marco
(Leaning against a pillar) "Hey, new girl. You look lost. How about you become my girlfriend and I’ll show you the 'private' map of this campus?
sia(fl)
Looking him up and down with disgust) "I’d rather use a broken compass in a dark cave than follow your map. Move."
Marco
Whoa, spicy! I like them rude. It makes the chase better."
Suddenly, a shadow fell over them. A tall guy with sharp features and eyes as cold as the Swiss Alps stepped between them. It was Tristan. He didn't recognize Sia yet, and she didn't recognize the boy from her childhood in this polished, elite man.
Tristan(ml)
(Yawning) "Marco, your flirting is so loud it’s waking up the library books. Give it a rest."
Marco
Tristan? Mind your business. She’s going to be mine."
Tristan(ml)
"She looks like she’d rather eat glass. Also, your hair gel is dripping. It’s gross."
sia(fl)
Both of you are annoying. Is this a university or a circus?"
Before Marco could bark back, a loud, shrill voice pierced the air. Professor Steiner, a man who looked like he hadn't slept since the 90s, marched toward them
...
MARCO! Harassing freshmen again? My office. NOW!"
Marco scurried away like a frightened cat. But then, the Professor turned his gaze toward Sia. His eyes twinkled in a way that wasn't professional at all.
...
And you... the new girl. Sia, right? You missed the orientation. Very bad. Why don't you come to my private study room after class? I’ll... personally help you catch up on what you missed."
Tristan(ml)
Stepping forward, hands in pockets) "Sir, I don't think she needs a private lesson. The orientation was just a slideshow of you bragging about your vacation in Italy. She didn't miss much
...
Tristan! Did I ask for your input? You’re late for my lecture too! Both of you, get to class before I fail you before the first bell!"
Tristan(ml)
He didn't even call us 'students,' he called us 'targets.' What a weirdo."
Class ended an hour later. Sia walked out, trying to find the exit, when Marco appeared again, looking furious. He felt humiliated because of the Professor and Tristan.
Marco
You! You made me look like an idiot! My parents are donors here. They didn't teach you manners, did they? You’re just a low-class girl."
sia(fl)
My manners are fine. It’s your face that needs a redesign."
Marco
(Getting into her face, eyes twitching) "Listen here, you little brat. I will crush you. I will bite you like an ant! No, I’ll bite you like a million ants until you cry for mercy!"
sia(fl)
An ant? That’s your threat? Are you a senior or a preschooler in a bug costume?"
Tristan(ml)
Walking up behind them, mocking Sia indirectly) "Watch out, Sia. He’s very dangerous. One bite and you might need... a very tiny band-aid."
sia(fl)
"I don't need your help, Tristan."
Tristan(ml)
Oh, I have to protect you. If an 'ant' eats a student on my watch, it looks bad on my record."
sia(fl)
"I can protect myself! I grew up in the mountains, I’m not a doll!"
Tristan(ml)
Oh yeah? How? Show me your 'mountain' moves."
Marco lunged forward to grab Sia's arm, and Tristan reached out to pull her back "to protect her." Sia, fed up with both of them crowding her space, decided to swing.
sia(fl)
Swings her hand in a massive, direct arc) "GET AWAY!"
SLAP! SLAP!
Because Tristan was leaning in from one side and Marco was lunging from the other, Sia’s hand connected with both of their faces in one swift motion.
Marco
(Holding his cheek, shocked) "OW! My jaw!"
Tristan(ml)
(Stumbling back, hand on his face) "Darn... that actually stung."
sia(fl)
(Dusting her hands off) "See that?"
Tristan(ml)
(Looking at her with a mix of pain and accidental admiration) "Very dangerous girl... you almost knocked my brain into next semester."
Marco
She’s a monster! An ant-slaying monster!"
Sia turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the two most popular guys on campus holding their faces in the hallway.
clg days
Sia gripped a stone ledge, her school skirt fluttering in the wind. She was halfway up, her breath coming in short huffs
sia(fl)
Almost... there..." she muttered, reaching for the top.
Suddenly, a firm hand grabbed the back of her blazer.
sia(fl)
(Eyes widening, heart dropping) "Oh no... Sir! Professor Steiner! I was just... I was just cleaning the ivy! It looked dusty! I’m so sorry, please don’t call my parents, I’ll do extra detention for a month—
She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the lecture. But instead of a shrill scolding, she heard a low, melodic chuckle. She snapped her eyes open and looked down.
It wasn't the teacher. It was Tristan. He was standing there, looking effortlessly cool in his messy school uniform, holding her blazer like he’d caught a stray kitten
sia(fl)
Face turning red from anger) "You! Tristan! Let go of me right now! I thought you were the soul-snatcher Steiner
Tristan(ml)
Soul-snatcher? Is that what we’re calling him now? And why are you running away, Sia? Afraid of the math quiz, or just naturally a criminal?
sia(fl)
Kicking her legs) "Put me down! I have things to do. Important things!"
Tristan(ml)
(Smirking) "Important things? Like eating the chocolate croissants at the bakery before they sell out? I’m coming with you."
sia(fl)
No, you aren't! You're a 'good student' now, remember? Go back to your books, Mr. Perfect."
Tristan(ml)
I’m only 'perfect' so I can get away with being bad."
With a sudden surge of strength, Tristan didn't pull her down; he boosted her up. He climbed the wall with the agility of a mountain goat, reaching the top before she could even protest. He sat on the edge, offering her a hand.
sia(fl)
"I don't need your help."
Tristan(ml)
Fine. Enjoy the ivy. I hear there are spiders the size of your fist in there."
Sia shivered and immediately grabbed his hand. He pulled her up, their faces inches apart for a second. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief. Together, they jumped down to the other side, landing in the soft grass of freedom.
They walked through the pine trees until they reached the edge of Lake Zurich. The water was like a blue mirror, reflecting the snow-capped mountains. They sat on a wooden pier, swinging their legs over the edge.
A group of older boys from the village was nearby, skipping stones. One of them, a tall teenager with a cocky grin, kept staring at Sia. He whispered something to his friends and started walking toward her
...
Hey, pretty girl. You’re from the academy, right? Why are you hanging out with this scrawny guy? Come join us, we have a boat."
Sia rolled her eyes, but before she could say "No," Tristan was already standing up. The air around him shifted from "playful friend" to "protective predator" in a heartbeat.
Tristan(ml)
She’s busy. Go skip your stones somewhere else."
...
Or what? You'll hit me with a textbook?"
The boy reached out to touch a strand of Sia’s hair. He didn't even get a millimeter close. Tristan’s fist moved faster than a lightning strike.
THUD.
The boy fell back into the grass, holding his jaw. His friends scrambled to pick him up and ran away, shouting insults.
sia(fl)
Tristan! What is wrong with you? Why did you hit him? He was just being an idiot!"
Tristan(ml)
(His knuckles white, chest heaving) "He was going to touch you. Nobody touches what belongs to—" He stopped himself, his face flushing. "I mean, nobody touches my friend."
sia(fl)
You’re so violent! You look like a monster when you get angry! I hate it!"
Tristan(ml)
I was protecting you! Do you want me to just stand there while some village thug harasses you?"
sia(fl)
"I can handle thugs! But I can’t handle you being a bully! Promise me, Tristan. Promise me right now you won't hit people like that again. Use your brain, not your fists!"
Tristan looked at her, his anger melting under her fierce gaze. He let out a long sigh and held out his pinky finger.
Tristan(ml)
Tristan looked at her, his anger melting under her fierce gaze. He let out a long sigh and held out his pinky finger.
Tristan(ml)
Fine. I promise. No hitting... unless they deserve it.
Tristan(ml)
Okay, okay! No hitting. Pinky swear."
They locked pinkies. The silence was sweet, until—
...
TRISTAN? SIA? IS THAT YOU?"
Professor Steiner was standing on the hill, binoculars in hand, looking like a very angry owl.
They didn't look back. They covered their faces with their blazers and sprinted through the trees, laughing and gasping for air until the school was miles behind them.
7:00 PM: The Footpath
The sun had dipped below the mountains, painting the sky in shades of violet and gold. It was exactly 7:00 PM when they reached the footpath leading to Sia’s small cottage.
The streetlights flickered on. Sia was limping slightly—she’d scratched her knee during the escape
Tristan(ml)
You’re walking like a penguin. Let me carry you. It’s a long walk to your porch."
sia(fl)
Crossed her arms) "I am not a penguin. And I am definitely not letting you lift me. I’m a big girl
Tristan(ml)
Big girl' who almost cried because of a 'giant spider' on a wall? Come on, Sia. Just hop on my back."
sia(fl)
No! My parents will see. Then I’ll have to explain why the 'scrawny neighbor boy' is carrying me like a sack of potatoes. Goodnight, Tristan!"
She turned and began to march away, her chin held high despite the limp.
Tristan stayed behind, standing under the glow of a yellow streetlight. He watched her retreating figure, her shadow stretching long against the cobblestones. He reached into his pocket and touched the small flower ring she’d given him years ago.
A slow, confident smirk spread across his face.
Tristan(ml)
Whistling to himself) "Go on then, Sia. Run all you want. But you’re never getting away from me."
He watched until her front door clicked shut. Only then did he turn around, the "Good Boy" mask sliding back into place as he walked toward the dark, lonely mansion that was his home.
new bf
The sting of the double slap was still fresh on Tristan’s cheek as he cornered Sia behind the university library later that afternoon. Marco, the "Ant-Man," was already spreading rumors that Sia was a violent delinquent.
Tristan(ml)
Look, Sia. You’re already the campus villain. Marco is planning a 'revenge' party, and Professor Steiner is looking for any excuse to get you into his 'private study room' again. You need a shield."
sia(fl)
I told you, I’m my own shield. I don't need a cold-faced billionaire-in-training to protect me."
Tristan(ml)
Leaning in close) "It’s for your benefit. If you pretend to be my girlfriend, no one—not Marco, not the teachers, not even the dean—will dare touch a hair on your head. My family practically owns the scholarship fund. You get peace; I get... well, I get to stop girls from leaving love letters in my locker
sia(fl)
So I’m basically a human 'Do Not Disturb' sign? How romantic.
Tristan(ml)
Exactly. Do we have a deal?
sia(fl)
Sia grumbled, but before she could answer, Marco appeared, looking bruised and vengeful.
Marco
Sia! How dare you sit here with him? You slapped me! You owe me an apology and a date, or I’ll have you expelled by Monday!"
Sia looked at Tristan, then at Marco's annoying, gelled hair. She grabbed Tristan’s arm and pulled him close.
sia(fl)
Actually, Marco, I can't date you. Because Tristan is my boyfriend."
Tristan(ml)
Tristan’s eyebrows shot up. He hadn't expected her to dive in so fast.
Marco
What?! You two? Since when?"
Tristan(ml)
Quickly recovering, wrapping an arm around her waist) "Since she realized I’m much better at 'biting' than an ant. Move along, Marco. You’re interrupting our... quality time."
A week later, Sia was sitting alone when a group of mean girls tried to pour juice on her notes. Tristan appeared out of nowhere, sat down, and took the juice box from their hands.
Tristan(ml)
My girlfriend prefers coffee. And she prefers it when people don't breathe near her notes. Right, darling?"
He then proceeded to feed Sia a piece of cake while the entire cafeteria watched in shock. Sia whispered through gritted teeth,
sia(fl)
I hate chocolate cake,"
Tristan(ml)
Smile, or they'll think we fought."
Tristan was "helping" Sia with her Swiss history. Every time a guy looked at Sia, Tristan would loudly say,
Tristan(ml)
Babe, does this ring I’m going to buy you look better in diamond or ruby?"
sia(fl)
Sia kicked him under the table. "We are fake dating, not getting fake engaged!"
Tristan(ml)
The bigger the lie, the more they believe it."
Time has a way of turning children into adults. Two years had passed since that chaotic first semester. Tristan had been away in the UK for a specialized business program, and Sia had blossomed.
She was walking across the campus courtyard, her hair longer, her style more refined. She was no longer just the "dangerous girl"; she was the most beautiful woman on campus.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over her. She looked up and gasped. Tristan was standing there, broader, taller, and wearing a suit that cost more than her tuition. He looked at her, his breath hitching. He instinctively reached out to hug her, his heart hammering against his ribs.
sia(fl)
(Stepping back coldly) "Why are you here, Tristan?"
Tristan(ml)
(Hands frozen in mid-air) "I... I took the entrance exams for the Master’s program. I’m admitted here now."
sia(fl)
How did you know I was still here? Did you track me?"
Tristan(ml)
I didn't know. It’s a small world, I guess."
sia(fl)
(Scanning him) "So... did you find a real girlfriend in London? Or are you still looking for 'human shields'?"
Tristan(ml)
(Joking, trying to hide his nerves) "Of course I have a girlfriend. It was you, remember? I’m very loyal."
sia(fl)
(Rolling her eyes) "Oh, I see. Still a joker."
Tristan(ml)
And you? You must still be single. Who could handle the 'Dangerous Girl' who slaps billionaires?"
At that moment, a handsome, well-dressed man named Julian walked up. He looked like the perfect gentleman
julian
Tristan? Tristan Vane? It's an honor to meet you. I’m the head of the student council."
sia(fl)
(Stepping forward and locking her arm with Julian’s) "Actually, Tristan... he is my boyfriend."
Tristan(ml)
Tristan’s face went pale. The smirk vanished instantly. "You... him? Really?"
To drive the point home, Sia turned to Julian. She reached up, her fingers gentle and intimate, and began to tidy his silk tie. She smoothed the collar of his shirt with a soft smile that she used to only give Tristan in their secret moments by the lake
sia(fl)
Your collar was a bit messy, honey. We have that dinner at 8, remember?"
julian
(Smiling warmly at her) "Of course, Sia. I wouldn't forget."
Tristan stood there, watching her hands move over another man’s chest. The sight was like a knife to his pride. For years, he had imagined this reunion—he thought she’d be waiting, or at least still "dangerous." But seeing her act like a devoted, romantic partner to a stranger made his chest ache with a physical pain he couldn't explain.
He had spent two years becoming the man she deserved, only to find someone else had already taken the spot
Tristan(ml)
Voice low and strained) "I... I have a meeting. Enjoy your dinner
He turned and walked away, his steps heavy. Sia watched him go, her hand trembling slightly as she let go of Julian’s tie.
sia(fl)
See that, Tristan? I'm not that little girl anymore."
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