First Move

By lunchtime, half of Helios Academy already believed Lucien Arden and the new transfer student were secretly fighting over inheritance rights, blackmail material, or each other.

Rumors spread faster than viruses inside Helios.

Especially attractive ones.

Lucien sat near the window, ignoring the noise around him while students pretended not to stare. Rain still painted the glass in soft grey streaks, turning the elite classroom strangely muted.

Across from him, Kieran Vale looked perfectly comfortable despite arriving less than two hours ago.

That alone was suspicious.

Most transfer students spent their first week trying to survive Helios Academy’s hierarchy.

Kieran had entered it like he owned shares in the building.

The teacher clapped her hands nervously. “Since everyone seems energetic today, we’ll be doing presentations in groups.”

The entire class immediately looked exhausted.

Lucien didn’t react.

Kieran smiled.

Dangerous combination.

“No volunteers?” the teacher asked after several painful seconds of silence.

Kieran tilted his head thoughtfully before speaking.

“I think Daniel would be perfect for it.”

A blond student near the back froze mid-drink. Apparently snacking in class was a common phenomenon, its either you are a brain-dead zombie trying to survive the apocopes of sleepy lectures or snacking your way out of it.

“What?” Daniel blinked. “Why me?”

Kieran looked genuinely surprised.

“You mentioned yesterday that public speaking was one of your strengths.”

“You weren’t even here yesterday!”

The room went silent.

Kieran smiled softly.

“Oh.”

Lucien finally looked up from his book.

Interesting.

The teacher awkwardly cleared her throat. “Well… confidence is important, Daniel. Why don’t you begin?”

Daniel looked seconds away from collapsing.

Around the room, students snickered quietly.

Lucien observed Kieran carefully.

No hesitation.

No visible manipulation.

Yet somehow the room had obeyed him naturally.

Like water adjusting around a stone.

Kieran noticed the stare immediately.

“You’re doing it again,” he said lazily.

“Doing what?”

“Analyzing me like a crime scene.”

Lucien turned another page calmly.

“You seem experienced with those.”

For the first time, Kieran laughed quietly.

Not loudly.

Not dramatically.

Just enough to sound real.

The teacher suddenly sighed. “Actually, before presentations, I’ll rearrange the seating plan.”

Several students groaned.

Lucien calmly moved his chair before she even reached for the seating chart.

The teacher blinked. “How did you know I was changing seats?”

“You touch your necklace before making uncomfortable decisions,” Lucien replied without looking up.

Silence.

Then someone whispered:

“That’s terrifying.”

Kieran rested his chin against one hand, clearly amused.

“You know,” he said casually, “even people who are completely useless still have the ability to make others smile.”

Lucien glanced sideways at him.

A pause.

Kieran smiled brighter.

“Usually after you push them down the stairs.”

Three students nearly choked.

The teacher looked emotionally exhausted clearly calculating time left before her students take her to early grave.

Lucien stared at Kieran for a moment before the corner of his mouth moved slightly upward.

Tiny.

Almost invisible.

But real.

The classroom collectively lost its mind.

“Lucien smiled.”

“Oh my god.”

“Someone records this.”

Kieran looked genuinely delighted by the chaos he caused.

Lucien immediately decided he was insufferable.

Unfortunately, he was also entertaining.

A dangerous trait.

The classroom doors suddenly slid open.

Three boys entered without permission.

Expensive watches.

Arrogant expressions.

The leader wore his uniform loosely, tie hanging around his neck like school rules physically offended him.

Seo Minjae.

Rich enough to avoid consequences but not buy manners.

Cruel enough to enjoy it.

His gaze landed immediately on Kieran.

“Well,” Minjae said slowly, “the rumors were true. Helios accepted strays now.”

Several students lowered their eyes instantly.

Cowardice. Predictable.

Kieran smiled politely.

“And yet they still let you attend. Inspiring.”

A few students failed to hide their laughter.

Minjae’s expression darkened.

Lucien quietly closed his book.

The atmosphere shifted.

Subtly.

Dangerously.

Minjae stepped closer to Kieran’s desk. “Careful. Pretty faces don’t last long here.”

Kieran looked thoughtful for a moment. “No wonder you survived this long”

Minjae frowned.

The classroom exploded into shocked laughter.

Even Lucien looked impressed.

Minjae slammed both hands onto the desk violently.

“You think you’re funny?”

“No,” Kieran said honestly. “I think you’re sensitive.”

Lucien added casually “Mr Minjae (pause)look at the mirror (pause) you may not like what you see(pause) but it’s the reality of the matter.’’

One of Minjae’s friends grabbed Kieran by the collar.

Bad decision.

Lucien moved first.

Fast.

Precise.

The boy hit the floor before fully understanding what happened.

A sharp crack echoed through the classroom.

Dislocated shoulder.

Efficient.

Controlled.

Screaming followed immediately.

The second boy lunged toward Lucien only to suddenly stop.

Kieran was smiling at him.

Still smiling.

“Hit him,” Kieran said softly, glancing toward Minjae. “He was calling you pathetic earlier.”

“What?”

Minjae turned instantly. “I never—”

The hesitation lasted less than two seconds.

Long enough.

The second boy punched Minjae directly across the face.

Chaos erupted.

Students screamed.

Phones appeared instantly.

Someone yelled for security.

Meanwhile, Lucien adjusted his sleeves calmly.

Kieran fixed his collar.

Neither looked particularly concerned.

Security finally arrived minutes later, dragging the injured boys away while the teacher tried very hard not to have a breakdown. She urgently need therapy.

As the classroom slowly settled again, whispers spread rapidly.

“They’re insane.”

“Did you see what Lucien did?”

“How did the other guy suddenly switch sides?”

Kieran leaned back in his chair comfortably.

“You attract interesting people.”

Lucien replied flatly,

“You attract blunt-force trauma.”

“That too.”

For a moment, silence settled between them comfortably.

Then the teacher shakily picked up the attendance sheet again.

Her eyes moved down the page absentmindedly.