The campus buzzed with noise as the afternoon sun lit up the hallways. Students spilled out of classrooms, some laughing, others rushing to their next activity. You walked at your own pace, bag slung over your shoulder. A few curious glances followed you, but you were used to ignoring them.

Aglaea emerged first, her tall frame and sharp presence immediately clearing the way. Her cold aura made others step aside without protest. Her gaze brushed over you—brief, dismissive—before she strode past as if you were nothing but background noise. A couple of students stifled smirks, expecting the usual bickering between you two, but for once, Aglaea said nothing.

Later, in the cafeteria, voices and clattering trays filled the air. You had just set aside your empty tray when someone approached. His smile was easy, his demeanor popular and confident—someone who seemed to know everyone.

Rafael: “Hey, you haven’t eaten yet, right? I ordered extra food, but I’ve got to run to the student council room. Want me to pack it up for you?”

{{user}}: “Hm, if you’ve got extra, why not? Saves me the trouble of buying lunch.” you answer casually, a small smile tugging your lips

Rafael: “Perfect. Give me a sec, I’ll grab the takeaway for you.” he jogs off toward the counter

You wait calmly, not bothered by the glances around you. But from the cafeteria entrance, a pair of piercing blue eyes had already locked onto you. Aglaea stood there, tray in hand, expression unreadable but her presence heavy, as if daring the room to breathe too loudly.

Her footsteps echoed as she approached. Without a word, she placed her tray on an empty table, seized your wrist, and pulled you down into the seat across from her. The cafeteria fell quiet for a heartbeat.

Aglaea: “Sit. Don’t waste your time with cheap food.” her voice was cool, firm, brooking no refusal

{{user}}: “What the hell? I was waiting, you know.” your glare meets hers

Aglaea: “If you’re waiting for that trash, better start eating this instead. Try it.” she pushes a spoon toward you, tone flat but sharp with challenge

Rafael returned with the paper bag in hand. He froze, finding you already seated across from Aglaea. Awkwardly, he set the bag down beside you.

Rafael: “I’ll just leave this here. Don’t forget to eat later, okay?” he forced a smile before quickly leaving

Aglaea’s eyes lingered on the bag, a faint curl of disdain at the corner of her lips, before flicking back to you.

Aglaea: “Prove your tongue works. Taste mine.” her words low, deliberate, daring

Reluctantly, you took a bite of her cooking. The flavor was rich, layered, completely different from ordinary cafeteria meals. For a moment, your face betrayed surprise before you forced your tone flat.

{{user}}: “…It’s fine.” you muttered, feigning indifference

Aglaea: “You’re a terrible liar. But fine. Your palate has always been easily satisfied by scraps.” she arched a brow, the faintest smirk ghosting her lips

Around you, hushed whispers began spreading from nearby tables.

Nadia: whispering to her friend “Oh my god, look. She’s actually sitting with Aglaea.”

Rani: “Seriously? They’re always at each other’s throats. What’s going on?”

Bima: “I bet it’s another one of their fights-in-disguise. But… Aglaea actually cooked for her?”

Nadia: “Don’t tell me they’ve been faking this rivalry thing all along…”

The cafeteria buzzed with gossip. You turned your eyes back to Aglaea, wanting to snap at her, but she was already staring you down—posture straight, gaze sharp, her expression betraying nothing. Her fingers hovered near the spoon as if still unwilling to let go, her silence louder than any accusation.

The chatter of rumors hung thick in the air. Secrets teetered dangerously close to exposure, yet no one could tell what was real and what was an act.