Chapter 6

AURORA'S POV:

Cali and I have just finished class. The entire school is hyped up about the upcoming pep rally and I, on the other hand cannot wait for it to be over already.

"Let's go to the field, please. Pwetty please." She batts her eyelashes at me with a pout on her lips. I release a defeated sigh.

Cali has been bugging me all day to come and watch her cheerleading practice. Normally, I would have definitely gone with her but today is a huge exception.

The entire school is hyped up with the pep rally being tomorrow night and to make it worse, there's a football match too. All of these means that the field will definitely be packed. Packed means noise.

I. Definitely. Don't. Need. That.

"Ok, let's go." A wide smile spreads on Cali's lips which almost makes me smile but I catch myself just in time.

We step out into the school field. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows over the football field. The air is filled with the chatter of students scattered across the bleachers, most of them girls eager to get a glimpse of the football players running drills on the field. Thirsty ass females.

Their laughter and cheers mix with the sharp whistles from the coach and the rhythmic stomping of the cheerleaders practicing nearby.

Cali tugs at my wrist, practically dragging me toward the stands. "Come on, Aurora, you need to get out more. Just sit tight and enjoy the show."

"Puh-lease. I do get... out." I reply her, placing my hand on my chest in mock hurt.

"Girl..." She drags out, using the side of her eyes to give me a disbelieving look.

"You just need to allow the view to make you feel... refreshed. Yes, that's the word."

I raise a brow at her statement.

"Refreshed? Because of a couple of boys? I'll pass." I flip her the bird.

"Whatever. Just go sit down by the bleachers. You can stay close to the cheerleaders. There are less amount of people on our side."

I sigh, feeling the weight of my reluctance settle in my chest. Crowds aren’t my thing. Noise isn’t my thing. But I let her pull me along anyway, knowing it’s pointless to argue when she’s in cheerleader mode.

"Just hang around the cheer squad," she says, flashing me an encouraging grin. “I’ll be over there, front and center, so don’t disappear on me. I have my eyes on you."

I force a nod and watch as she dashes off toward the other cheerleaders, seamlessly blending in with the coordinated energy of their practice.

Their pom-poms glisten under the sunlight as they move in sync, shouts of encouragement echoing across the field.

God knows that if I tried that, everyone on that pyramid would be in the hospital.

I climb up the metal bleachers, making my way to the furthest end where the crowd is thinner. As I sit down, I give Cali a quick thumbs-up, which she returns before jumping straight into a series of flips.

This is one of the reasons I like to avoid coming for her practices. They make me afraid. Why are humans flipping in the air like birds?

Letting out a breath, I glance at the field. The football players move in perfect formation, running plays under the scrutinizing eyes of their coach.

Some are shirtless, their sweat-drenched muscles gleaming, which earns them plenty of attention from the girls in the stands. Their giggles and not-so-subtle squeals ring in my ears.

Rolling my eyes, I let my gaze wander until it lands on him.

Arc Xandin.

He stands near the fifty-yard line, engaged in a conversation with a teammate. His silver-white hair falls effortlessly over his forehead, framing sharp, aristocratic features.

The contrast of his pale skin against the deep blue of his jersey makes him impossible to ignore. Even from a distance, his piercing blue eyes seem to scan the crowd with an air of boredom... until they find me.

Our gazes lock, and the smirk that curls on his lips is nothing short of infuriating.

I narrow my eyes, my stomach twisting in irritation. Arc thrives on getting under my skin, and I refuse to give him the satisfaction. I shift my gaze away, pretending he doesn’t exist, but the way my heart picks up betrays me.

The rest of practice passes in a blur. As the sun sets, students begin to trickle out of the bleachers, making their way home.

I descend the stands, wrapping my arms around myself as the cool evening air settles in. Cali is still caught up with the cheerleaders, so I decide to take a shortcut through the gym hall to avoid the last-minute crowd at the parking lot.

The hallway is eerily quiet, the distant echo of voices fading as I push through the double doors. Just as I turn the corner near the boys' locker room, a sharp sound catches my attention, a low thud, followed by a muffled curse.

I hesitate, trying to decide whether I should mind my business or find out what I heard.

Curiosity wins over common sense, and I step closer, peeking into the dimly lit locker room.

Then, just as I realize my mistake, the heavy door swings shut behind me with a deafening click.

Panic grips my chest as I spin around, my hand reaching for the handle. I twist it, but it doesn’t budge. Locked.

A slow clap echoes through the space, sending a chill down my spine.

"Didn’t take you for the type to sneak into the boys’ locker room, Wane."

My stomach drops. I know that voice.

Turning around, I find Arc leaning against a row of lockers, arms crossed, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"You’ve got to be kidding me." My voice is laced with disbelief and frustration.

"Not at all." He pushes off the locker, taking a lazy step toward me. "Though I have to say, I’m intrigued. Didn’t think you’d go out of your way to be alone with me."

And the door is shut? Lord, save me.