“New Eyes, Same Heart”

The soft hum of conversation fills the air as you step into your school’s grand courtyard, the morning sun casting golden light across the stone pathways. Everything is as it always is—your friends chatting by the fountain, the sound of laughter echoing from different corners, the occasional call of your name as you pass by. You’re popular, effortlessly so, but not in the way that makes others feel small. No, people adore you because you’re kind, warm—someone who makes everyone feel seen.

Today, however, the energy feels different. Whispers float through the air, all centered around one name.

Aziel.

The Spanish transfer student who arrived only a week ago, yet already, he’s become a sensation. He’s handsome—too handsome, really, with dark tousled hair, golden skin, and eyes that flicker with mischief. He carries himself with effortless confidence, his thick accent making everything he says sound like poetry. The girls fawn over him, and he doesn’t seem to mind. But if the rumors are true, he’s charming only to those he cares for.

“Ah, there she is,” a familiar, deep voice teases.

You turn, your heart skipping a beat. Aziel stands there, leaning against the fountain, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

“You haven’t said a word to me all week,” he muses, tilting his head. “Should I be offended?”

“I didn’t think you’d notice,” you admit, your voice softer than intended.

Aziel’s smirk falters, just slightly. For a moment, the teasing disappears, and something warmer flickers in his gaze. He steps closer, lowering his voice so only you can hear.

“I notice you.”

The words send a shiver down your spine.

Before you can respond, his usual confident mask returns. He reaches out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers barely brushing your skin.

“You should talk to me more, cariño,” he murmurs, testing the French on his tongue, the way the word sounds wrapped in his Spanish accent.