[FEBRUARY]
It had already been one month since Kai enrolled in the Academy of Elites. During this time, he would often go out of his way to stir up trouble with Khai.
He would do all sorts of ridiculous things just to draw Khai's attention to himself. And when he managed to succeed, he'd find creative ways to offend him—whether it was flirting with Saphia (and sometimes even with Khai himself), pulling pranks, spreading absurd rumors, or deliberately sabotaging his work. Yet, none of it seemed to faze Khai or get under his skin… except when Kai tried to get close to Saphia.
Throughout the month, Kai would 'accidentally' bump into Saphia over and over again, insisting their encounters were nothing more than coincidences. Of course, Saphia didn't believe that for a second—if she did, she'd have to be a rich, gullible fool.
Despite the countless 'coincidences,' Kai was still kept at arm's length. But at least he wasn't being outright ignored—unlike Khai, who found himself being actively avoided, day after day.
After every failed attempt to flirt or hit on Saphia, Khai would vent his frustration by making the scholarship students' lives a living hell on earth.
But Kai couldn't have cared less. The scholarship students had nothing to do with him. In his eyes, they were only good at frolicking, gossiping behind others' backs, and cursing his name at every opportunity.
They were of no use to him, so their struggles and misery were beneath his concern. As a result, their resentment toward Kai only deepened, and they wished al—if not his death—every single day, with blazing hatred in their eyes.
"That's the end of today's class. Enjoy your days off, students," the teacher announced, her voice trailing behind her as she exited the room.
"Yes, finally, it's time!"
"I've been waiting for this day."
"I have long anticipated this day."
"Let's go sightseeing today!"
Excitement buzzed through the classroom upon being dismissed. As students rushed out, chatting eagerly about their plans, Kai was quietly packing his belongings into his school knapsack.
But before he could zip it shut, he was suddenly surrounded by the self-proclaimed 'Pathetic Gang'—a name he had given them himself. They were none other than the group of scholarship students: Lion, Shawn, Sam, Kyle, Christopher, and Robert.
Sighing in resignation, Kai folded his arms across his chest, fully expecting their usual empty threats and meaningless rants.
"Don't look at us like that. Ever since you came, you've made our lives a living hell. And I won't stop until I get back at you," Shawn snapped, his eyes burning with frustration.
"But that's not what we summoned you for today," Sam added, stepping forward. The fury in his eyes was no less than the others', but his tone was more controlled, more deliberate.
'Summoned?' What a joke,' ai thought with a slight sneer tugging at his lips.
Ignoring Kai's open disdain, Sam continued firmly, "The party tonight—you must not attend, no matter what."
Suddenly, a hand shot out and grabbed Khalid's arm roughly.
"Sam, what are you doing?" Kyle hissed in panic.
Pulling his arm back, Khalid glared at him and replied, "What do you mean? Why shouldn't we tell him? My life's already a damn nightmare. What do you think will happen if this walking disaster shows up at the party tonight? Wouldn't it just become actual hell on earth?"
His words struck a chord. The rest of the group fell silent, mulling over Sam's concerns. One by one, their expressions shifted—begrudging agreement settling in.
'Party?' Kai thought, confused, narrowing his eyes slightly.
...
**FLASHBACK**
**Weeks Before.**
"What party are you all going on about?" Kai asked, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.
"No rush, I was about to get there," Arlo said with his usual playful smirk. Pushing Shawn aside, he closed the distance between them and stood face-to-face with Kai.
"It's a party that's held every year by Khai. If you know who Khai is, you'll understand. But if you don't, I pity you. This is a party that you must. not. miss," Arlo said, poking a finger into Kai's shoulder. Kai immediately grabbed Arlo's hand and flung it to the side. He then brushed the invisible dust from where Arlo had poked him.
"And why should I go?" Kai responded, his expression obstinate.
"Because it's a surprise for you. Every new student gets a welcome party. Isn't that right, Shawny?" Arlo asked, swinging his hands around Shawn's head and pulling him closer to his side.
"Y-Yes, every one of us had one. I-It was...exciting to say the least," Shawn responded with a quivering voice and a strained smile. Sighing loudly, Kai could only give in, unable to bear the sight of their desperation.
"OK. See you there. I hope it's surprising and fun enough. Else the entire Academy will lose face," Kai said mockingly, a smirk dancing on his lips.
"It will be. So you better show up," Arlo said, his grin widening.
---
FLASHBACK ENDS.
---
"Oh. That 'fun surprise'?" Kai said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Hah! Whatever, it's up to you if you want to come, but don't say we didn't warn you," Shawn warned, his tone edged with irritation.
**[Later That Day - Party Night]**
~ *Song playing softly in the background* ~
'The asshat really knows how to throw a party,' Kai thought as he walked through the gigantic, black and silver double doors. Upon entering, his eyes sparkled with awe at the extravagant sight before him. The exquisite marble floor, intricately designed, reflected the shimmering lights. Expensive vases and decorative pieces adorned the area, and most importantly, the gigantic chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow across the entire venue.
'He's really rich. Tch!' Kai thought with an envious sneer.
"He really came. How bold!"
"Yeah,"
"Then we have something to anticipate later."
As Kai made his way through the spacious hall leading to the back of the yard, where the party was being held, he overheard murmurs about his presence. Whispers of surprise and curiosity danced through the air.
'Why shouldn't I go? Do they plan on killing me and leaving my lifeless body for everyone to see? Ha! Let's see how far you can go,' Kai thought, a dangerous smile lighting up his already beautiful face as he walked deeper into the party.
This night, which might just change his life forever. A good change or a bad one? Who knows? Let's just watch Kai's journey unfold with love and support.
---
**[Hours before the Elites Party]**
'Thud!'
"Why weren't you answering any of my calls or text messages over the break?" a very handsome boy asked, his voice filled with frustration.
"Why do I need to?" came the cool response from a female voice.
"What's that supposed to mean, Saphia? We're a couple, of course you're supposed to answer my calls and texts. Did I do something wrong?" the handsome boy asked, stepping closer, his tone demanding an explanation.
Pushing the handsome fellow aside, Saphia took a step back, her eyes cold. "I want to break up, Khai. I don't want to be with you anymore," she said, looking straight into the depths of Khai's deep-absinthe eyes.
Khai stood there, frozen. He was taken aback by Saphia's declaration, his mind struggling to process what he had just heard.
"What? Y-You want to break up?" Khai questioned again, disbelief coloring his voice. He needed to know if he was hearing right or if it was just some cruel joke on his part. If he discovered he had bad hearing, he would be so happy it would be like winning the lottery.
"I want to break up with you. I can't do this anymore. I can't be with someone like you," Saphia continued, confirming Khai's worst fears. Khai stood there speechless, his thoughts scattered and his heart hammering in his chest. His adrenaline rush was dangerously high as he tried to digest the situation.
"Is it something I did wrong? Just tell me so I can change. What did I do wrong? Why are you leaving me, Saphia? We've been together for so long. What can't be fixed? Just say it so I can understand. If you don't, forget about breaking up—I'll never let you leave," Khai said, grabbing Saphia's hand tightly, desperation in his voice.
But Saphia was done. The look in her eyes was like a deep well of compassionate gloom.
"It can't be fixed. Just leave me alone already!" Saphia shouted, pulling her hands away from Khai's grip. Her voice was firm, tinged with a mixture of frustration and finality.