ant, that it meant nothing. Yet a part of him waited, restless and alert, for a familiar presence he could not ignore. He wanted to see her. He wanted to speak to her before the lecture began

added with a grin. Aria shot her a look. "Missing classes will affect your results," Lili continued more seriously. "And that's the last thing you need. We need. Remember we promised to work together at Ravyn Global Enterprises after graduation." Aria paused, staring at her friend. "Lili, let me ask you something," she said slowly. "When you see someone and you instantly feel pulled to him, like it feels too real... and the worst part is that you barely even know the person. What does that mean?" Lili's eyes widened. "Oh. My. God." She gasped dramatically. "You're in love. Wow. So tell me, who's the guy? Wait, wait... Mr. Kael?" Aria groaned. "Ohhh," Lili continued teasingly. "Now I see why you avoided class today." "Lili, be serious," Aria snapped. "He's annoying, and I don't like him. But I feel like I'm drugged or hypnotized or something. I don't even know how to explain it." Lili studied her for a moment, then softened. "Maybe you just need to stop fighting it," she said gently. "Let yourself feel whatever it is. Maybe then you'll find your answer." "I knew better than to ask you for advice," Aria muttered. Lili laughed. "Hey, all I'm saying is he's handsome and cute." Aria rolled her eyes, but her heart betrayed her by racing just a little faster. Next Day At School Aria was standing in front of Mr. Kael with her assignment in her hands. She looked calm and composed, but her feelings betrayed her. Her heart thumped in a way she couldn't explain. Every time she glanced at him, she felt a strange pull in her chest, like something inside her was stirring. She simply wanted to submit the assignment and leave. Kael himself wasn't composed. Each day he saw her, he felt more drawn to her. She was exactly what he needed, though he couldn't fully understand why. The energy between them was undeniable. He asked quietly, almost deliberately, "You didn't come