Every year, Redvers University hosted a grand prom on the final evening of its foundation week. It was a spectacle everyone looked forward to, making it the perfect opportunity to sneak in unnoticed.

I had a mission. I wasn't just a guest-I was a spy from Cresswell University, sent by my seniors to dig up dirt on Redvers, especially their mysterious Student Council. They wanted secrets, anything that could be used as leverage.

Slipping through the main gate disguised in an elegant gown, I melted into the sea of students. Music pulsed from the grand hall behind me, but I didn't stop to enjoy it. My goal was the Supreme Student Council Office.

I crept through the quieter corridor near the administration wing, sticking to shadows and avoiding eye contact. I entered the student council room which was empty at that moment. I was just a few steps away from the drawers when it creaked open. My heart jumped.

Without thinking, I ducked behind a stack of nearby boxes, holding my breath.

Four well-dressed guys stepped inside the office, laughing among themselves. The confident air around them left little doubt-they had to be the Supreme Student Council members. They came to take something and was about to go out. I peeked cautiously, trying to get a better view, when my eyes met his.

I froze.

The moment felt like time itself had stopped. His gaze locked onto mine with unnerving intensity, like he was reading straight into my thoughts.

Suddenly, a memory resurfaced-one of my senior's briefings.

"This guy looks young and cute. Is he the Student Council Secretary?" I had asked while gathering intel.

"Yeah, that's Isaiah. Don't let his innocent looks deceive you. He's known as the manipulative smiling face. Personally, I think he's the toughest one to deal with."

"Toughest? Why?"

"Hard to say... it's like he can read minds."

Back in the present, Isaiah's gaze hadn't left mine. My hands started to tremble as if on cue.

"Hey, Isaiah. What's wrong? Hurry up or we'll be late for the speech," someone called from behind him.

Isaiah smiled faintly and turned his head. "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up in a minute." His eyes flicked back to me, the corner of his mouth curling up. "Looks like I just found a lost kitty."

He stepped forward slowly.

"So... what's a student from Cresswell University doing here?" he asked, his voice light but undeniably sharp.

"I'm... uh," I stammered, scrambling for an excuse.

But he just shook his head gently, as if amused. "No need to lie. I already know why you're here."

My stomach sank. I had been caught. And by him of all people.

"You're looking to dig up dirt, right? Hoping to uncover something scandalous about us? That's cute." He let out a quiet chuckle. "I should be flattered."

He took a few steps toward me, his presence both disarming and suffocating. Despite the other council members leaving him behind and going on their way, he seemed completely unconcerned.

"You're good at blending in, I'll give you that," he said. "Took me a while to notice you." His eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "But do you know what's even more interesting?"

He was close now-closer than comfort allowed.

"I know exactly what your senior told you about me."

My breath hitched. How? Did he overhear the conversation somehow?

He stopped walking, just before me-this time, much closer than before. I instinctively stepped back, but only slightly. He didn't touch me, not yet, but the proximity alone was enough to make the air feel heavier, like the moment before a thunderstorm. His smile stretched, slow and deliberate, and he leaned in until his face hovered just inches from mine. His gaze bored into me-sharp, intense, curious.

"Tell me... what's your name, little spy?" he asked, his voice light and careless, yet there was something undeniably playful-and unsettling-underneath.

"Why would I tell you?" I shot back, my tone even, refusing to flinch, even as my heart pounded against my ribs.

That only seemed to amuse him. His smirk deepened, eyes glittering with interest.

"Oh? So you're going to be difficult, are you?"

He moved closer again. I could feel the heat radiating off him now, the space between us vanishing. His eyes flicked down to my lips, lingered there for just a second too long, and then returned to meet mine. My breath caught in my throat.

"You do realize you're trapped here now, right?" he murmured, his voice dropping an octave. "You're in enemy territory. You have nowhere to run, kitty..."

My heart pounded, but I didn't show it. I met his gaze without wavering.

His expression softened just slightly as he studied me, his interest no longer just amused-it was curious, almost intrigued.

"You're quite the character, aren't you? Standing here, unfazed, even though you're cornered."

His hand lifted without warning, and I tensed as his fingers brushed against my cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His touch was oddly gentle-too gentle for someone who just threatened me.

"You know," he went on, "it's a bit refreshing to see someone like you. Most people would be trembling with fear by now... knees shaking..."

"Fear is overrated anyway," I said with a shrug. "If you're gonna mess up, then mess up proudly."

He blinked once, then laughed-a real laugh, low and husky. There was genuine amusement there, like he hadn't expected that response.

"Mess up proudly, huh? You're definitely an interesting one."

He finally took a step back, giving me room to breathe, though his eyes never left mine. He seemed to study me even more intently now, like I'd just become a puzzle he wasn't expecting to enjoy solving.

"You're either really brave... or just plain stupid," he said, that ever-present smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

That earned a faint glare from me, but he only smiled wider. Then his voice softened again, almost coaxing this time.

"Don't be like that. Just tell me your name. You're already caught, aren't you? What difference does it make now?"

I hesitated, unsure if I should answer. But deep down, I knew he was right-there was no way out of this. There was no escape. No backdoor plan. No hidden route to safety. I had already lost.

I exhaled slowly, reluctant but resigned.

"...Aria," I said quietly. "That's my name."

"Aria..." He repeated it under his breath like he was trying it out-testing the taste of it. "Aria," he said again, slower this time, and something about the way his voice curled around the syllables sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.

"It suits you," he said simply, his tone soft but eyes still sharp.

I shifted uncomfortably. I wasn't used to compliments-especially not from someone like him. Something about the way he said it... it didn't feel like flattery. It felt like a statement.

And somehow, that made it worse.

I could feel my instincts buzz with quiet warning. Compliment or not, it didn't feel like a win.

Isaiah only laughed softly. "Relax. I'm not going to hurt you." He stepped even closer, and I could feel the warmth of his body against mine. "Actually... I have a little proposal for you."

I blinked. A proposal? From him?

"What... kind of proposal?" I asked, trying to steady my voice.

He tilted his head, his smile playful and dangerous all at once.

"Oh, nothing too hard. I just want you to do me a small favor."

He was now only a breath away, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want you..." He leaned in, his lips brushing near my ear. "...to become my personal spy."

What?!

He laughed quietly, clearly amused by my wide-eyed reaction.

"You heard me right. I want you to work for me. Be my eyes and ears in Cresswell. Gather information-whispers, rumors, secrets. And report directly to me."

His fingers lightly brushed through my hair, surprisingly gentle. "No one else has to know. You'll be my secret weapon."

Was he seriously asking me to become a double agent?

"You mean you want me to act as a double agent?"

He seemed to read my thoughts, his hand now gently cupping my cheek.

"Call it what you like," he said smoothly. "But I need someone smart. Someone with your... talents."

I gave him a cold stare. "Nice strategy. You really do live up to your cunning reputation."

Isaiah smirked at my response, his thumb lightly grazing along my jawline. "Why, thank you. I try my best. But tell me-"

He leaned even closer. "Will you accept my offer?"

---

You made it to the end of Chapter 1(Part 1)-yay!

What did you think? Spicy enough? Suspicious enough?

Drop your thoughts, scream in the comments, or just say hi. I'd love to hear from you!

-Your slightly chaotic author

Also...Also...

Question of the day:

What would you do if Isaiah asked you to be his personal spy?