---
The library was quiet, flooded in soft afternoon light filtering through the tall glass windows. Carter stepped inside, scanning the rows of shelves until her eyes caught the familiar golden hue of Elsa's hair.
She was sitting near the corner window, a thick book open in front of her, a pen gently twirling between her fingers. Her features were calm — elegant, like always — but focused. She didn't even notice Carter at first.
Carter stood still for a moment.
Just looking.
She didn't know why. Maybe she was tired. Maybe it was the strange feeling that hadn't left her chest since the other night in the courtyard. Or maybe it was the way the light made Elsa look softer — less like royalty, more like a girl who didn't know she was being watched.
Elsa looked up.
Their eyes met.
She gave a small nod — neutral, maybe a little curious — and turned back to her book.
Carter forced herself to move, heading to the back where the academic section loomed. A few minutes passed before she noticed Elsa standing just a few feet away, reaching up toward the top shelf.
She could barely touch it.
Carter stepped forward before she could stop herself.
"I got it," she said, her voice low.
Their hands reached for the same book — and brushed.
A jolt shot through Carter's skin.
Elsa's eyes met hers, wide for a second. The moment froze.
Then, as if on cue, a breeze drifted in from the open side window.
Elsa's golden hair lifted with it — delicate, slow — brushing across Carter's cheek.
Her breath caught.
Her chest tightened, heart suddenly slamming against her ribs.
Carter didn't move.
Couldn't.
Elsa blinked once, then pulled her hand back smoothly. Her expression unreadable — but her cheeks had the faintest flush.
"What are you doing here?" she asked coolly, stepping back.
Carter cleared her throat, returning the book to her. "Looking for that."
"This exact book?" Elsa asked, lifting a brow.
Carter gave a half-smirk. "Guess we have similar taste."
Elsa narrowed her eyes, but didn't argue. "Try to give it back in one piece, then."
She turned, walking away with that same confident, floaty grace — but Carter could tell her steps were faster than usual.
So were her own thoughts.
---
Later That Day – Canteen Courtyard
The scent of sizzling food filled the air as students filtered into the canteen from every direction. Elsa and her usual group — polished, laughing, and perfectly dressed — took their trays and slid into their usual table near the window.
That's when it happened.
A sleek black car rolled up just beyond the courtyard. A girl stepped out — long brown hair tied into a messy ponytail, an exposed shoulder crop top clinging to her curves. Her heels clicked confidently against the pavement. The air changed.
She was hot. Dangerous hot.
Boys turned. Girls whispered.
One girl at Elsa's table nudged her with a smirk. "Uh-oh. Elsa's got competition."
The others laughed. Elsa didn't react.
Inside, the new girl strode into the canteen, eyes scanning the crowd like she already owned the place.
And then — Carter walked in.
Black shirt, tucked into fitted pants, sleeves rolled up, glasses slightly fogged. Calm. Effortlessly cool. Her gaze was cold as ever, but something in it was warmer than usual.
The new girl noticed immediately.
She walked straight up to her.
"Hey," she said with a playful tilt of her head. "You in Grade 12?"
Carter blinked at her. "Yeah. You're new?"
"Mm-hmm." She held out a hand. "I'm Ferrin Buloche. Your new classmate."
Carter hesitated, then shook it briefly. "Carter."
Ferrin gave a smile full of teeth and sparkle. "Nice to meet you, Carter."
They walked to the serving area together. Elsa, from across the room, caught the exchange.
Meanwhile, Carter and Ferrin found a table near the far end.
"You always that serious-looking?" Ferrin asked as she dug into her food.
Carter gave a shrug, amused. "Guess so."
"Well," Ferrin grinned, "I like a challenge."
Carter laughed quietly — barely — but it was enough to make Ferrin lean in closer.
From across the canteen, Elsa noticed.
She didn't care anything...
---
Later that afternoon, Carter pushed all of it aside as she stepped onto the basketball court.
It was practice hour. Her teammates were already warming up under the early evening sun. Carter tied her hair back, rolled her shoulders, and locked in — muscle memory taking over, every dribble and pass wiping Elsa from her mind, if only temporarily.
Until someone appeared courtside.
Ferrin Buloche.
Wearing a crop top that hugged her curves and sunglasses pushed up into her glossy brown hair, she stood with a hand on her hip, eyes locked onto the court. She wasn't exactly subtle.
When Carter glanced her way, Ferrin waved.
Carter lifted a brow, gave a small handwave back. She didn't mean to smile — but she did. Ferrin caught it, beamed, and made her way to the bleachers.
She watched the whole practice, eyes tracking Carter like a predator with a favorite target.
After the final whistle, Carter grabbed her towel and walked toward the bench, sweat slicking her skin, shirt sticking slightly to her back. She reached for her water bottle — but Ferrin was already there.
"I got it," Ferrin said smoothly, holding it out.
"Thanks," Carter said, slightly breathless.
Ferrin tilted her head. "You know, you're kind of hot when you play."
Carter blinked. "Kind of?"
Ferrin smirked. "Fine. Very hot."
Carter chuckled under her breath, unscrewing the bottle cap. "So... you got a crush on me or something?"
Ferrin leaned in, close enough to smell the sweat and sun off Carter's skin. "Maybe I do."
Carter turned to look at her, eyes unreadable.
"I'm kidding," Ferrin added quickly, laughing. "Or maybe I'm not. You'll never know."
Carter raised her brow, amused. "Dangerous."
Ferrin winked. "Only for the ones I like."
They stood like that a moment — tension light but charged.
From the window of the Humanities Building across the courtyard, Lara squinted through the glass.
"Hey, Elsa. Isn't that Carter down there?" she said, pointing.
Elsa turned from her book.
Lara leaned closer to the glass. "She's laughing with that new girl. The hot one in the heels. They're like... flirting."
Elsa followed her gaze and spotted Ferrin — hand on her hip, grinning at Carter like they shared a secret. Carter said something that made Ferrin laugh and nudge her arm.
"She's got everyone in the palm of her hand," Lara said. "God, she's dangerous. Look at her."
Elsa said nothing.
But she didn't look away.
---
Ti be continued..
***