Neatly brushed black hair. Calm, bluish-gray eyes.

Compared to all the flashy golden blondes and icy blue-eyed elites, it wasn’t exactly eye-catching at first glance.

But his sharp nose, balanced features, and flawless, clear skin naturally drew the eye.

What struck me most, though, were his hands.

They were rough—calloused from sword practice.

Wearing his crisp uniform, he spoke in a steady, even tone.

Unlike Cael, who had playfully nudged his way into conversation, this boy had a polite and composed manner in every word.

Also—he was way too tall for a fifteen-year-old.

I had to tilt my head up quite a bit just to meet his eyes.

Up until he smiled, he had such a stoic face that the term “cold-hearted pretty boy” floated through my mind.

But the moment he smiled, the atmosphere shifted completely.

There’s something about a stranger’s gentle smile—it instantly lowers your guard.

Which is probably why I returned the gesture without thinking.

“Hello. I’m Aria Seren.”

You might wonder why I’m being so formal with someone my age.

Well, that’s because—Xion’s mother is the emperor’s older sister.

Which makes him royalty.

He’s the second highest-ranked person in this academy, right after Princess Estelle.

So yeah, being polite is kind of mandatory.

“You don’t have to be so formal,” Xion replied calmly, as if used to this kind of thing.

“We’re the same age. Feel free to speak casually.”

I smiled lightly and shot back,

“Then, why don’t you go first? Even if I speak casually, it’d feel strange if you keep being formal with me.”

“Fair enough,” he nodded, letting his tone soften.

Now that’s a proper male lead. Not like a certain someone who opened with casual speech from the start.

“By the way, Cael,” Xion said, glancing at his friend’s tray.

“What’s with that excuse for a lunch?”

“What do you mean? It’s fine,” Cael grinned.

“…”

Xion sighed, clearly not amused.

“That’s your lunch? Looks more like a snack.”

“C’mon~ I brought way more than last time,” Cael laughed.

“Keep eating like that and you really will collapse.”

Xion’s voice was firm.

“Relax! My body’s ultra-efficient. This is plenty~”

Cael even waved his hands for effect.

“That’s ridiculous,” Xion muttered, rubbing his forehead.

“Cael, I’m not joking.”

Only then did Cael drop the act and turn a little serious.

“Sorry. I just… don’t really feel like eating today.

But I’ll finish what I brought, promise. So… just let me off the hook this once?”

Xion looked at him for a moment, then gave a slow nod.

“…Alright. Just this once.

But drink the concentrated potion later. No complaints. No ‘it’s too bitter’ like last time.”

Normally, I would’ve butted in with a “Why are you eating like that?”

But this time, I kept my mouth shut.

There was something about Cael’s demeanor—like maybe this wasn’t just picky eating.

Maybe it was mental.

And in that case, forcing someone to eat while saying “I’m worried about you” could be more harm than help.

Of course, that’s just a guess.

In the original Arcadia Academy, the story was strictly from Eunice’s point of view.

And Cael? He wasn’t even a love interest—just the male lead’s friend. A side character among side characters.

He barely got any screen time unless Xion was with him.

After graduation, he completely disappeared from the story.

While the two boys bickered, I finished my meal in silence.

Then, just before getting up, I offered a quick goodbye.

“What, leaving already?”

Cael looked genuinely disappointed.

What kind of question is that?

Of course I’m leaving. I finished eating.

Unless… does Cael have some reason to be here?

I mean, he did sit across from me at the most isolated table in the cafeteria,

kept talking to me like we were close, and made every effort to seem friendly…

What’s his deal?

I’m not exactly Miss Popular around here. Quite the opposite.

So unless this is some new form of bullying—

Wait.

What if it is that kind of thing?

You know, the kind of cruel prank where they target an outsider,

act all nice to earn their trust, then make a bet about whether they’ll confess or not?

Well then.

Better to flip the game before I become the punchline.

“Why? Are you into me or something?”

I said it casually, like it was no big deal.

That ought to throw him off just enough.

But instead—

I was the one who got caught off guard.

“Yeah, I’m interested. Why? Is that a problem?”

He grinned, utterly shameless.