Hi. My name is Rose à Montasia.
I'am 18 years old, a student, of school at class D15.
Yup, that red-haired girl over there? That's me.
And I have a pair of brown eyes sometimes they reflect my hair, so they look kind of reddish.
And next to me?
That black-haired girl with bangs and pretty pink lips,
looking like a straight-A student?
That's my best friend.
But you'll meet her properly later.
Let's focus back on me. my dream?
To become a dress designer.
That's why I joined this school.
Here, the best subject is fashion.
And the best part?
We get to learn how to design the perfect dress.
This is our classroom.
One teacher's desk. Twelve students.
No separate tables everyone shares.
I share mine with my best friend, Zera Maco.
We do everything together.
We don't keep secrets. Not even one.
And that's our teacher, Ms. Marian.
Strict if you don't listen but if you behave?
She's like a second mom.
I love my life.
...Until, today....
In class, Ms. Marian clapped her hands.
"All right! I want everyone to open your design books and create a dress using everything we've learned so far.
You have thirty minutes, start now."
She set a digital timer on her desk.
Beep. The countdown began.
Everyone picked up their pens and tablets. including me.
I was sketching, totally focused... until ping!
A message popped up.
Lucas, hey babe. lunch with me later?
Ugh. I hate him.
Oh, right Lucas. He's my rival.
Lucas sterling, he's had a crush on me since forever.
But me? Not even a flicker.
The only thing I care about is beating his scores!
"Pssst."
A whisper from my left. It was Zera.
"Hey, focus! Why do you look like you're designing a dress of rage?"
Okay, that's her. My bestie.
Right. Focus, Rose. Focus.
I muted Lucas. Took a deep breath.
And poured everything into my design.
I'm talented, I reminded myself.
My designs are always the best.
DING!
The timer rang.
"All right, everyone!" Ms. Marian called out.
"Press that send button and put down your pens."
Lunchtime.
The room buzzed with energy.
Some students rushed out. Others stayed behind to nap or chill.
Zera leaned over.
"What happened? You looked like you were about to stab someone just now."
I snapped my eyes to her. Sharp.
"How can I not?! That guy—"
I shoved my phone at her.
"Twelve messages, Zera. Twelve!"
Then, he appeared. Lucas.
Yellow hair. Green eyes. That casual, cocky smile.
"Hey... I brought lunch. Wanna eat with me?"
I laughed nervously.
"Um... we've got study stuff, so... probably shouldn't."
Lucas nodded, grinning like he knew something I didn't.
"Well, if you say so."
He walked away, still smiling.
Zera leaned in, face close.
"Ehhhhh... your face is red!"
She poked my cheek.
"You know what I think rose?"
I groaned. "Don't."
She grinned. "I think you do have feelings for him. Right...?"
Yup.
Maybe I do. Maybe.
I don't know.
But... is it too soon?
I came here to study, not to fall for someone.
Zera stretched.
"Well! Looks like we're just chilling here now."
I looked sheepish.
"Aww... I'm sorry."
Then I perked up.
"Actually, I need the restroom."
"Let's go," Zera said, but then her phone rang.
"It's my mom. You go ahead." "Sure see you later"
In the restroom, I stared at the mirror.
"...Do I like him?" I whispered.
I glanced at my phone Lucas's photo.
His lazy face. Then I shook my head.
Snap out of it, Rose.
I walked out.
A few steps later I bumped into someone.
My phone slipped from my hand Lucas's face still on the screen.
I knelt down quickly but a hand beat me to it.
A voice. "Thought you could get away with checking me out?"
I froze. That voice...
Slowly i tilted my head up.
It was him. Lucas. Yup that little devil.
He was too close. Too warm.
My heart skipped.
Before I could say anything my face turned bright red. No, no, no...
He's the last person I want to see right now!
But then... He leaned in. Closer.
I froze. Blushing.
Yet I didn't pull away. Then...
His lips brushed mine.
Just for a split second.
He kissed me.
And... i?... I kissed him back.
You! Thats just happened.
Then, RINGGG!
My phone buzzed between us.
Zera's voice came through the speaker.
"I'm gonna grab some bread real quick. Be back in the classroom soon, okay?
Wait for me there!"
I froze.
Lucas blinked our faces still close.
Then, from the speaker.
"...And don't do anything weird while I'm gone."
Silence.
Lucas grinned. I turned scarlet.
The call ended. Lucas leaned a bit closer.
"So—"
"BYE!!" I blurted, snatching my phone and bolting.
My cheeks were on fire. My hair swayed behind me like a dramatic curtain as I ran.
Lucas stood there, stunned then chuckled. Bitter his lips.
"She kissed me back."
Back in class, I slammed into my seat.
My heart was pounding.
My fingers brushed over my lips.
"No, no, no... this can't be happening..."
"Hey, what's going on...?"
Zera appeared, holding a bun, grinning.
"Zera!! Help me!" I flailed dramatically.
"I don't know how it happened!
I can't live like this!"
I cupped my face in both palms, blushing so hard.
"How am I supposed to face him now?!"
Zera laughed, waving me off.
"Relax! Everything's gonna be fine. Trust me."
"Eeeekkkkk..."
I slowly melted into my seat.
RING!!
The bell blared.
Class started like normal.
But no matter how hard I tried...
I couldn't focus on anything.
Because, out of the corner of my eye...
I could feel him looking at me.
His devilish green eyes.
Staring straight at my soul.
"Damn it!, Lucas..."