..." FL POV "...

Naomi Pierce woke up to the same sound she heard every morning, her alarm ringing like it had a personal grudge against her.

She groaned, blindly reaching out to shut it off.

“Five more minutes…” she mumbled, pulling the blanket over her head.

“Naomi !”

Her father’s voice echoed from outside her room.

“You said that ten minutes ago.”

She froze.

“…I’m awake.”

“You better be.”

Routine. That was her life, predictable, repetitive.

Wake up. Get ready. Rush through breakfast. Go to college. Come back home.

Nothing exciting ever happened.

And honestly?

She preferred it that way.

She tied her hair into a loose ponytail, grabbing her bag as she stepped out.

“Eat something before you leave,” her father said, sliding a plate toward her.

“I’m late,” she replied quickly, already heading for the door.

“You’re always late.”

“And I’m always fine,” she shot back with a grin, slipping on her shoes.

“Be careful.”

“I always am.”

She wasn’t.

The streets were busy as usual.

People were rushing to their respective work routine, cars passing, and Life moving on like it always did.

Naomi walked through it all, half-focused, half-lost in her own thoughts.

she stopped across the streets because of red light.

Just for a second.

Someone stood across the street catches her eyes

Tall, Dressed in dark colors, looking like a greek god.

Their eyes almost met "ALMOST" but just then the signal changed.

People moved and just like that the moment passed.

Naomi didn’t think about it again.

The day went by like any other it was all just about classes, notes, boring lectures nothing worth remembering.

ByPOVening, she was exhausted and craving something sweet.

“Chocolate mint,” she muttered, stepping into the small convenience store near her house.

...Upon hearing the word comfort she just had "Chocolate mint ice-cream" in her mind always it was her reward for surviving another painfully normal day....

..." ML POV "...

Elias Thornton adjusted the cuff of his sleeve as he stepped out, his mind already focused on what lay ahead.

"Westbridge University"

His interview.

Everything about it was straightforward, structured, predictable. Exactly the way he preferred, No distractions.

The streets were busy, filled with movement and noise, but none of it held his attention until something did.

Across the road, a girl stood near the crossing.

Nothing remarkable at first glance.

And yet... she didn’t quite blend into the crowd.

For a fraction of a second, their eyes almost met.

Then the signal changed.

People moved.

She disappeared into the flow like she had never been there.

Elias looked away, Irrelevant.

By the time he reached Westbridge University, his focus had already shifted.

Tall gates. Quiet authority. Controlled environment.

The interview went exactly as expected.

QUESTIONS.ANSWERS. EVALUATIONS

No surprises.

He was offered the position before he even left the room.

And he accepted.

Because everything about this place felt right.

Later that evening, he thought to reward himself as he got the position that he had dreamt of!

He saw a convenience store Elias stepped inside without much thought, his attention drifting only briefly as he moved toward the freezer.

...POV ENDS >_<...

The small convenience store near her house was quiet, the soft hum of refrigerators filling the space. Naomi walked straight to the freezer, already knowing what she wanted.

And there it was "THE LAST PACK"

A small smile appeared on her face

“Perfect.”

She reached for it but another hand got there first naomi blinked.

Slowly turning her head and there he was The same man from the street.

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then naomi narrowed her eyes.

“Excuse me… I was going to take that.”

No reaction.

He simply looked at the ice cream in his hand.

Her irritation sparked instantly.

“Seriously? I saw it first.”

“I picked it up first.”

His voice was calm. Flat.

Unbothered.

naomi let out a short, disbelieving laugh.

“Wow. That’s how this works now?”

No response.

She stepped closer.

“That’s my favorite flavor. There’s literally no other one left.”

Silence.

“You could just—give it?”

Still nothing.

That did it.

“You know what?” she muttered, crossing her arms,

“Keep it.”

she spoke under her breath

“Rude for no reason.”

He walked to the counter, she followed him ,he placed the ice cream on the counter.

The cashier glanced between them, already sensing something.

Naomi stepped forward quickly.

“Hi....yes..um, can I just take that instead?” she said, forcing a polite smile. “I’ll pay double.”

The cashier blinked. “Uh—”

“I’ll pay triple,” she added immediately, more desperate now. “Please. It’s really important.”

Elias didn’t look at her, didn't even reacted he just simply placed the money on the counter.

“I’ll take it.”

Naomi turned to the cashier again, lowering her voice like it was a secret deal.

“I’m serious. I’ll pay more.”

The cashier hesitated, clearly unsure.

“…I mean, he already—”

Elias picked up the bag, and walked away.

Just like that.

Naomi stood there, completely defeated.

“…Unbelievable.”

“No manners, no basic decency, just walks in and takes it like he owns the place"

She kicked a small stone on the road.

“Arrogant. Annoying. Probably thinks he’s so important”

She didn’t notice, he hadn’t gone far.

And that he heard EVERY. SINGLE. WORD.

She walked ahead, still complaining.

He stood there for a moment,watching.

Then turned away.

Neither of them knew this wasn’t the last time they’d meet.

Naomi got ready for college just like every other day, same rushed morning, as always unfinished breakfast, it was the same routine she followed without thinking.

Nothing felt different.

And yet, for some reason, her mood wasn’t as normal as it should’ve been, Maybe it was because of last night.

she kept her thoughts aside and then got out to walk to her college.

As she reached the college gate, she spotted her friend waiting for her.

“There you are,” Naomi friend chloe said. “I thought you’d be late again.”

“I am late,” Naomi replied casually, adjusting her bag. “You’re just early.”

They both started walking toward their class together.

“Oh my God, listen,” chloe suddenly said, her tone full of excitement.

“We have a new chemistry teacher today!”

Naomi hummed in response, not really interested.

Naomi : “The old one finally retired??"

chloe gave her a side look, like gurl you Don't even know that?! then continued in her same excited tone.

chloe : “Yeah but what if this new one is handsome? Or super strict? Or both?”

Naomi stayed quiet, letting her talk but chloe stopped mid-step and looked at her.

chloe : “Wait. Why are you so quiet?”

Naomi : “Nothing.”

Chloe : “Don’t give me that. Did something happen last night?”

Naomi : ughh “You won’t believe what happened.”

And just like that, she started telling her everything—

about the supermarket,

about the last chocolate mint ice cream,

and about the ridiculously rude guy who took it from her like it was nothing.

Chloe burst out laughing and asked

“You begged someone for ice cream?”

Naomi : “I did not beg, “I was just....Negotiating.”

Chloe : “Negotiating?” she laughed harder.

By the time they reached the classroom, Naomi was already irritated again just thinking about it.

Naomi : “I swear,” she muttered, dropping into her seat. she continued...

“I really wanted to punch that man in the face. The way he was acting..like..like he owned the place or something.”

Chloe was still smiling. she asked :

“You like that ice cream that much?”

Naomi turned to her and said “More than anything.”

Meanwhile, at the front of the building, Elias Thornton adjusted his glasses as he stepped into the corridor.

The noise of students, the scattered conversations, the casual disorder none of it bothered him, he had expect it. But he didn’t expected to see her again here in his class.

Naomi and Chloe's conversation got disrupted when a tall man wearing all black suit walked in the classroom while adjusting his glasses, a laptop in his hand.

The classroom got quiet for a second, but again it was filled with noises like

"OMG!!!! Is he our new chemistry teacher??

" He is soooo handsome"!!!

someone said " he looks like a character who came straight out of novel ".

Whispers spread across the room, Soft gasps, excited murmurs.

Almost every girl in the class were crushing on him.

Naomi didn’t react at first, because she didn’t get to see his face but as she peaked through the students she completely froze, her expression darkened instantly.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered.

She elbowed her friend and said “That’s him.”

chloe : “Huh?”

Naomi : “The ice cream guy!”

chloe barely reacted, too busy admiring him.

“huh..yeah..hmm” she hummed absent mindedly.

Naomi stared at him, her irritation rising all over again.

and then He gave a small cough, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Sit down,” he said calmly. “We’ll begin.”

The class settled immediately.

“Today, we’ll be starting with—” he began, his voice steady as he moved into the lecture.

Naomi didn’t hear a word, not one because she didn’t want to listen to his boring lectures And after what felt like forever. ... ......he finally stopped. He stared at the class and introduced himself to the class.

“My name is Elias Thornton,” he said. “I’ll be your chemistry lecturer from now on.”

Naomi (in mind) : Of course he would be. everyone knows that. duhh !!

Elias : “Let’s begin with introductions,” he continued. “Stand and introduce yourselves one by one.”

One by one, students stood up. they introduced themselves by Name. Course and Done.

Then it was Naomi's turn, she stood up and started introducing herself like others ....

“Naomi Pierce,” she said briefly.

She was about to sit down when—

Elias : “I’m sorry,” he interrupted

“Could you repeat that?” he continued calmly. “A little louder. I didn’t quite hear you.”

For a second, Naomi felt her patience snap.

She looked straight at him. For a moment, she genuinely considered saying something she’d regret. But instead she forced herself to stay calm and introduced herself again

“Naomi Pierce,” she repeated, louder this time.

Elias : “Miss Naomi Pierce,” he said, as if noting it down.

“Alright. Next.” he causally said.

Naomi rolled her eyes as she sat down.

The rest of the introductions continued and the class ended And finally lunch break.

Naomi sighed for what felt like the hundredth time.

Chloe looked at her and asked “Are you okay?”

Naomi turned slowly “Do I look okay to you?”

chloe blinked not knowing what to say.

Naomi : “Did he really have to make me repeat my name in front of everyone?” she groaned “I was so embarrassed.”

Chloe : “Maybe he actually didn’t hear you,”

Naomi stared at her in disbelief.

Naomi: “Seriously? You’re taking his side now?”

Chloe : “I’m just saying—”

Naomi : “Wait a minute,” she narrowed her eyes.

“Do you have a crush on him too?”

Chloe smirked: “What do you mean too?”

Naomi scoffed and said :

“Did you not see the class? Every girl was literally staring at him like—” , She stopped, annoyed.

“Ugh, whatever. I hate him.”

Chloe grinned : “Yeah, sure.”

“Shut up and eat your food,” Naomi muttered.

Chloe : “And that’s why you don’t have a boyfriend.”

Naomi frowned : “What does that even have to do with anything?”

Chloe : “You’ll understand later."

Naomi opened her mouth to respond but the bell rang. Her friend immediately stood up and rah away from there

“Saved,” she said, rushing away.

“Hey—come back!” Naomi called after her.

The rest of the day passed like any other, same boring classes making notes an all.

By the time the final bell rang, Naomi let out a quiet sigh of relief.

She packed her bag quickly, standing up from her seat.

“Finally,” she muttered.

Chloe stretched beside her. “That felt longer than usual.”

“It was longer than usual,” Naomi replied, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

They walked out of the classroom together, blending into the crowd of students heading home.

Naomi was late as always but today she was extremely late for her class.

She hurried through the corridor, her steps quick but uneven, trying to fix her bag strap while mentally preparing herself for what was waiting on the other side of the door.

“Great,” she muttered. “Just great.”

She reached the classroom door, it was closed and she froze not knowing what to do.

Letting out a small breath, she slowly reached for the handle and pushed the door open just enough to peek inside and instantly regretted it.

Elias stood at the front of the class, a book in his hand, adjusting his glasses.

her heart dropped, Without a word she quietly shut the door again.

“Nope,” she whispered. “Not going in.

Naomi stared at it for a second, as if hoping it would magically open on its own and save her from the situation. It obviously didn't.

She turned around immediately, ready to walk away and pretend she had never come at all.

But before she could take even two steps...The door behind her opened.

“Naomi? Why are you not going insi—”

Chloe’s voice cut off mid-sentence as the door swung wider. And both of them froze on their spots .

Elias was staring directly at them.

Elias : “Don’t you want to come inside?”

Neither of them moved.

Elias : “If you’re not interested,” he continued, voice turning colder, “you’re free to go.”

“Don’t come to my class again.”

The entire classroom went silent.

Naomi quickly stepped inside, Chloe following right behind her. Both of them avoided looking up as they walked toward their seats, fully aware of the eyes on them.

Just as they were about to sit....

Elias : “I’m going to say this once.”

Both of them stopped.

Elias looked at the class and said

“I don’t want anyone to be late in my class.”

His tone was sharp and strict.

“And if you are don’t bother coming in.”

No one spoke.

“I don’t like being disturbed while I’m teaching.”

“Understood?”

“Y-yes, sir…” a few students murmured.

Elias’s expression didn’t change.

“I didn’t hear properly.”

The entire class straightened.

Elias " “UNDERSTOOD?”

“YES, SIR!” the whole class responded in sync.

Naomi flinched slightly.

For a brief second his gaze fell on her, then he looked away.

Elias: “Open page no. 42.”

Straight to the point.

Naomi opened her book, staring at the page like it had personally offended her.

Naomi : “What is this even supposed to mean…” she whispered.

Chloe leaned in. “Already?”

“I was already confused before he even started,” Naomi muttered.

At the front, Elias explained the topic, writing neatly on the board.

Every step clear.

Every line precise.

Which somehow made it worse.

Naomi tried to follow, she really did.

But somewhere between the first explanation and the second example, she was completely lost.

“…and this is how the reaction is balanced,” Elias said, stepping aside to let the class observe the board.

Naomi stared at the board.

Then at her notebook.

Then back at the board again, nothing matched.

She scribbled something down anyway.

It didn’t look right.

But at least it looked like she was trying.

For a moment she looked up, and her eyes met his. She immediately looked down.

“Any questions?” he asked.

Naomi thought about raising her hand.

Just for a second, but then shook her head. no way. She’d rather stay confused than embarrass herself.

Elias: “Alright. Continue.”

The lecture went on.

By the time the bell rang, Naomi shut her book instantly.

“Finally,” she muttered.

Chloe stretched. “That wasn’t even that bad.”

Naomi turned to her : “I understood nothing.”

Chloe laughed. “Same. But at least he explains nicely. And he’s handsome I was just looking at his pretty face the whole time.”

“Don’t say that,” Naomi said immediately.

“Say what? That he’s handsome?” Chloe grinned. “It’s true.”

“No,” Naomi frowned. “That he explains nicely.”

Chloe smirked : “So you agree he’s handsome?”

Naomi’s face twisted : “No! EW!”

Chloe: what the- what do you mean by ew??

At the front of the class, Elias was gathering his things, placing his book and papers back into order.

Then he stopped and called out

“ Miss Naomi.”

Her name cut through the room. Naomi froze.

Slowly, she turned.

His expression wasn’t calm this time.

“Come to my cabin.”

Her stomach dropped.

For a second, she thought "Did he hear that?"

She turned to Chloe, silently asking for help.

Chloe only gave her a smug look

" Well,” she said lightly, folding her arms,

“you got yourself into this trouble…”

Naomi narrowed her eyes.

“So you’re going to handle it,” Chloe finished, giving her a small push forward. “Not me. Now go.”

Naomi stared at her in disbelief.

“Some friend you are,” she muttered.

Chloe only waved her off, clearly entertained.

“Go,” she mouthed.

Naomi glared at her. But she had no choice.

And somehow walking to his cabin felt worse than being late.

Naomi took a step forward, then another.

Her mind, however was already running miles ahead.

Why did he call me?

Did he hear that?

Her stomach dropped.

No way… he couldn’t have heard that, right?

She swallowed.

But what if he did? She stopped mid-thought.

…what if he fails me?

Naomi’s eyes widened slightly.

“No, no, no… he can’t do that,” she whispered under her breath.

Then immediately — "Can he?"

She resumed walking, a little faster now.

Okay, calm down. Worst case… he just scolds me.

A pause.…right?

Then she opened the door of the cabin and asked

“May.. I come in, sir?"