The Secret Behind His Smile

Ariana Sen officially blamed Kian Roy for her lack of inner peace.

Because ever since transferring to Westbridge Academy, her life had become a nonstop disaster filled with rumors, awkward eye contact, emotional confusion, and one annoyingly handsome boy who smiled at her like it meant something.

And now—

People were staring again.

“Why are they looking at me this early in the morning?” Ariana muttered while walking through the school gates.

Maya appeared beside her instantly.

“Because someone uploaded another photo last night.”

Ariana stopped walking.

“…Another one?”

Maya nodded dramatically.

“This school has paparazzi.”

Ariana pulled out her phone with growing dread.

And immediately regretted it.

The photo showed Ariana and Kian standing beside each other outside the school yesterday evening.

Kian was looking down at her while she stared up at him mid-conversation.

The sunset behind them made everything look ridiculously romantic.

The caption read:

“THE ICE PRINCE ONLY LOOKS SOFT AROUND HER.”

Below that—

Thousands of comments.

“He definitely likes her.”

“This is better than dramas.”

“They already look like a married couple.”

Ariana slowly closed her eyes.

“I’m going to live in the forest.”

Maya laughed loudly.

“You’re famous famous now.”

“I hate fame.”

As they entered the hallway, several students whispered immediately.

Some girls looked jealous.

Some boys looked curious.

And a few students openly smiled at Ariana now like she had become part of school entertainment.

This school seriously needed academic priorities.

The moment Ariana entered Class 12-A, Daniel grinned knowingly.

“Our celebrity has arrived.”

Ariana dropped her bag onto the desk dramatically.

“I’m transferring schools.”

“You say that every day.”

“And every day I mean it.”

Then—

The classroom became quieter.

Ariana didn’t even need to turn around to know why.

Kian Roy had arrived.

She somehow recognized his presence already.

Which was concerning.

Kian walked toward their desks calmly while adjusting the sleeve of his uniform.

His eyes immediately landed on Ariana.

And softened slightly.

That tiny expression change lasted less than a second.

But Ariana noticed it anyway.

Unfortunately—

So did half the class.

“Oh my god,” someone whispered.

“He looked at her again.”

Ariana wanted to evaporate.

Kian sat beside her casually.

“You look tired.”

“You ruined my social life.”

“You’re still alive.”

“Barely.”

A tiny smile appeared on his lips.

Dangerous smile.

Very dangerous.

Ariana narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“You enjoy my suffering.”

“Sometimes.”

Daniel clutched his chest dramatically.

“Kian Roy admitting emotions? Historic.”

Kian ignored him completely.

But Ariana noticed something strange today.

He looked exhausted.

Not physically.

Emotionally.

His usual cold expression felt heavier somehow.

Like something had happened.

Before she could ask, the teacher entered and began class.

The morning lessons passed normally.

Well—

As normal as possible when students kept secretly taking pictures of Ariana and Kian together.

At one point, Ariana caught a girl aiming her phone toward them during chemistry class.

Ariana immediately held up a notebook to block the camera.

“This isn’t a zoo.”

The girl squeaked apologetically.

Kian glanced sideways at Ariana.

“You’re adapting.”

“To insanity? Yes.”

“You’re less nervous now.”

Ariana paused slightly.

He wasn’t wrong.

A few days ago, sitting beside Kian would’ve terrified her mostly because everyone treated him like royalty.

But now—

She mostly just found him annoying.

Annoying and confusing.

And unfairly attractive.

Which was another problem entirely.

During lunch break, Maya immediately dragged Ariana toward the cafeteria.

“Hurry before the good food disappears.”

“There was never good food.”

“True.”

The cafeteria buzzed loudly with conversations.

Students crowded around tables while music played softly in the background.

Ariana finally relaxed slightly while sitting down.

Then Lucas appeared.

Of course he did.

The second-year student leaned casually against their table with a grin.

“Well, if it isn’t Westbridge’s newest celebrity.”

Ariana looked up slowly.

“…Do you just appear everywhere naturally?”

“Only around interesting people.”

Maya looked delighted already.

Lucas sat across from Ariana confidently.

“You ignored me yesterday.”

“That sounds healthy.”

He laughed.

Ariana noticed several girls nearby glaring at her again.

Fantastic.

Another problem.

Lucas leaned closer slightly.

“So tell me something.”

“No.”

“You didn’t even hear the question.”

“I’m protecting my peace.”

Before Lucas could flirt again—

A shadow fell across the table.

The atmosphere shifted instantly.

Kian.

Lucas smirked lazily.

“There he is.”

Kian looked at Lucas calmly.

“You’re loud.”

“And you’re possessive.”

Ariana nearly inhaled juice wrong.

“What?!”

Lucas grinned at her.

“See? He followed me here.”

“I came for lunch.”

“You came because I’m talking to her.”

Several nearby students immediately became interested.

Maya whispered dramatically:

“This school feels like reality television.”

Kian ignored Lucas completely and sat beside Ariana.

Then calmly took one of her fries.

Ariana stared in betrayal.

“…Did you just steal my food?”

“You weren’t eating it.”

“That’s because I was emotionally distracted.”

Lucas laughed loudly.

“I like her. She’s funny.”

Kian’s eyes shifted toward Lucas briefly.

And somehow the temperature around the table dropped.

“You should leave.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow.

“Or what?”

For a second—

Silence stretched tightly between them.

The tension felt sharp.

Dangerous.

Ariana frowned slightly.

Something about their interaction felt deeper than simple dislike.

Then suddenly Lucas stood up casually.

“Relax. I’m going.”

He looked toward Ariana again.

“But seriously, be careful around him.”

Kian’s jaw tightened slightly.

Lucas smirked before walking away.

Ariana watched him leave thoughtfully.

Then looked toward Kian.

“…What’s his problem?”

“He talks too much.”

“That’s not an answer.”

Kian didn’t respond immediately.

Instead he looked away slightly.

And once again—

Ariana noticed it.

That exhaustion.

Like he was carrying something invisible all the time.

The cheerful atmosphere from earlier disappeared around him instantly.

Ariana frowned.

“You okay?”

Kian blinked once.

Then his usual expression returned immediately.

“You ask too many questions.”

“You avoid too many answers.”

For a moment—

Their eyes locked.

And strangely, the noisy cafeteria around them faded slightly.

Then Daniel suddenly dropped into the chair beside Kian dramatically.

“I leave for two minutes and emotional tension appears.”

Ariana immediately leaned away.

“Please stop narrating our lives.”

“Impossible. This is peak entertainment.”

Kian sighed quietly.

“You’re irritating.”

Daniel grinned.

“But lovable.”

The afternoon classes passed slower than usual.

Mostly because Ariana couldn’t stop noticing small things about Kian now.

Like how he tapped his fingers lightly whenever stressed.

How he stared out windows during quiet moments.

How his expression changed every time his phone buzzed.

And most importantly—

How his eyes became colder after reading messages.

Something was wrong.

Ariana could feel it.

After final period ended, heavy rain suddenly started pouring outside the classroom windows.

Students groaned loudly.

“My driver’s late.”

“This rain ruined my hair.”

“I hate monsoon season.”

Ariana checked outside and sighed.

Of course.

She didn’t bring an umbrella.

Perfect.

Maya looked guilty.

“…I promised my cousin I’d leave early today.”

Ariana waved her off.

“It’s fine. I’ll survive.”

“Text me if you get kidnapped.”

“What a comforting friendship.”

Soon the classroom emptied gradually.

Until only a few students remained.

Including—

Kian.

Ariana packed her bag slowly while staring at the rain outside.

The storm looked intense.

“You’ll get sick if you walk home in this,” Kian said suddenly.

Ariana looked over.

“You’re still here?”

“You sound disappointed.”

“I’m surprised.”

Kian stood calmly and picked up his bag.

“I’ll drive you.”

Ariana blinked.

“…Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

“No.”

Kian looked mildly amused.

“You rejected quickly.”

“I’m not getting into a mysterious rich-boy car during a thunderstorm.”

“You think I’ll kidnap you?”

“I think your existence attracts trouble.”

“That’s fair.”

Despite the joke, Ariana noticed something strange again.

He looked tired.

Really tired.

Like he didn’t actually want to go home either.

Before she could think further, thunder echoed loudly outside.

Ariana flinched slightly instinctively.

Kian noticed immediately.

“You’re scared of storms?”

“No.”

Thunder crashed again.

Ariana glared at the window aggressively.

“…Maybe a little.”

For the first time that afternoon—

Kian smiled properly.

Warm. Soft. Real.

And Ariana’s heart completely betrayed her.

Because that smile was unfair.

Absolutely unfair.

“You’re laughing at my suffering again.”

“You’re dramatic.”

“You keep saying that like it’s a personality flaw.”

“It is.”

Eventually the rain became even heavier.

The school hallways darkened while students rushed outside with umbrellas.

Ariana sighed dramatically.

“Fine.”

Kian raised an eyebrow.

“Fine?”

“I accept your weird rich-person ride.”

“You say things strangely.”

“You survive somehow.”

The black car waiting outside looked expensive enough to pay Ariana’s rent for ten years.

She hesitated before entering.

Kian noticed.

“You can still run away.”

“Tempting.”

Still, she climbed into the car beside him.

The interior smelled faintly like coffee and expensive cologne.

The driver greeted respectfully.

“Good evening, Young Master.”

Then his eyes shifted toward Ariana briefly in surprise.

Interesting.

Apparently Kian never brought people into the car.

The ride started quietly.

Rain hit the windows softly while city lights blurred outside.

For once—

The atmosphere between Ariana and Kian felt calm.

No rumors.

No staring students.

Just silence.

Then Kian’s phone rang.

The peaceful atmosphere shattered instantly.

His expression hardened after seeing the caller ID.

He answered quietly.

“Yes.”

Ariana looked away politely.

But she still heard a loud male voice through the phone.

“Where are you?”

Kian’s jaw tightened slightly.

“I’m on my way.”

“You left the meeting early again.”

“I had school.”

“You always have excuses.”

Silence.

Then the voice continued colder:

“You will come home immediately.”

The call ended abruptly.

Ariana slowly looked toward Kian.

His face had completely changed.

Cold. Distant. Empty.

Not angry.

Just… empty.

For the first time—

Ariana genuinely felt worried.

“Kian…”

“I’m fine.”

But he answered too quickly.

The rest of the ride became quieter.

When the car finally stopped near Ariana’s apartment building, she hesitated before leaving.

Compared to Kian’s world—

Her neighborhood looked small.

Old buildings.

Tiny convenience stores.

Narrow streets.

Kian glanced outside silently.

“This is where you live?”

“Unfortunately.”

Ariana reached for the door.

Then paused.

“…Thanks for the ride.”

Kian nodded once.

But before she could leave completely—

Thunder crashed loudly again.

Ariana flinched instinctively.

Without thinking—

Kian grabbed her wrist gently.

The movement surprised both of them.

For one second—

Neither moved.

His hand felt warm against her skin.

Ariana’s heartbeat became dangerously fast.

Then Kian slowly released her.

“…You should go before the rain gets worse.”

Ariana nodded awkwardly.

“Right.”

She stepped out quickly before her brain completely stopped functioning.

But after reaching her apartment building entrance—

She turned back once.

The black car was still there.

And through the rain-covered window—

Kian was staring upward silently.

Looking strangely lonely.

The next morning, Ariana couldn’t stop thinking about it.

That phone call.

That expression.

That loneliness.

Something about Kian’s life felt wrong.

By lunchtime, curiosity finally won.

Ariana cornered Daniel near the vending machines.

“I need information.”

Daniel looked delighted instantly.

“Oho? About Kian?”

“Maybe.”

“You’re interested.”

“I’m concerned.”

“Which is worse.”

Ariana crossed her arms impatiently.

“Just answer the question.”

Daniel’s playful smile faded slightly.

“…Kian’s family situation is complicated.”

“How complicated?”

Daniel hesitated.

Then sighed quietly.

“His father controls everything.”

Ariana frowned.

“What does that mean?”

“He decides Kian’s schedule. His grades. His future. Basically his entire life.”

“That’s insane.”

Daniel looked away slightly.

“Kian’s father cares more about perfection than happiness.”

For a moment—

Everything clicked.

The exhaustion. The cold expression. The loneliness.

Ariana looked down quietly.

“No wonder he looks miserable all the time.”

Daniel gave a small sad smile.

“You’re the first person who noticed.”

Before Ariana could respond—

Students suddenly gasped loudly nearby.

She turned automatically.

Kian stood at the end of the hallway.

But something was wrong.

His sleeve had shifted slightly.

And for one brief second—

Ariana saw dark bruises near his wrist.

Kian noticed her staring immediately.

His expression hardened.

He quickly pulled his sleeve down.

Silence stretched between them.

Then slowly—

Kian walked away.

And for the first time since meeting him—

Ariana’s chest hurt unexpectedly.

Because suddenly she understood something terrifying.

The boy everyone feared…

Might actually be hurting the most.

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