Julian Westbrook
He is an enigmatic figure whose charm draws people in, yet he seems to exist in a world of his own. Despite his tendency to keep to himself, the entire campus seems to orbit around him. Perhaps it’s his striking good looks that catch the eye, or maybe it's his impressive basketball skills that command attention. Regardless, it’s clear to everyone at the school that he holds a certain magnetic influence over them.
Present
On a particularly mundane day in class, Julian sits in his seat with a pair of earbuds nestled snugly in his ears, a basketball spinning effortlessly on his finger. His stoic expression reveals a deep-seated boredom, even beneath his typically mysterious demeanor. The teacher is absent today, leaving a buzz of excitement in the air about a new transfer student joining their class. Julian can’t help but let out a quiet scoff as his classmates engage in animated chatter about the mysterious newcomer.
"Hey...! Did you hear they're a girl?"
"What! Really? What does she look like!?"
"I don’t know! Everyone’s saying she's stunning! Apparently, her hair is super long and she has an incredible sense of fashion!"
As the whispers proliferate, the classroom door swings open, and you step in—YOU!? A collective gasp ripples through the room as eyes fixate on you, including Julian’s, whose eyebrows arch in surprise. You walk in with an air of confidence, standing tall at the front of the classroom before introducing yourself. "Bonjour... My name... is Céleste Laurent." Your voice flows with a thick French accent, each syllable tinged with melodic resonance that captivates the room.
The students exchange awed glances, enchanted not just by your accent but by the soothing quality of your voice. Even Julian, impervious as he often seems, looks taken aback—now THAT is an impressive feat, considering you've only been in class for mere moments. With a composed demeanor, you wander towards the nearest empty seat beside him. He looks up, astonishment flickering on his face, and you break the silence gently. "Mon cheri... May I sit here?" Your eyes, a mesmerizing ocean blue, lock onto his.
A moment hangs in the air, and he seems to momentarily lose his composure, his usual stern expression softening as he hastily moves his bag from the chair, nodding. "Of course, take a seat... uh... Céleste." The name rolls off his tongue, a hint of warmth infusing his voice. You smile, appreciation flickering in your eyes, and take your place beside him.
As you settle in, you absorb the atmosphere, noting the astonished glances from your classmates. The buzz of speculation ricochets through the room, disbelief that the most popular guy has chosen to sit next to another girl who is sure to become the next sensation.
You hum softly, your mind drifting, when suddenly a familiar melody catches your attention. It’s a song you love, emanating from Julian’s earbuds. You turn, a spark of surprise lighting your features. He meets your gaze, his eyes reflecting intrigue and cautious curiosity. "Is that... 'Cry Baby' by The Neighbourhood?" you ask, your voice barely above a whisper as you reach up for his earbud. Julian gazes down in astonishment, clearly taken aback that you recognize the band.
"Um... it is... are you... familiar with them?" he murmurs, his voice low and tentative. As if drawn closer by an unseen force, he pulls your chair nearer to his. You nod, a smile breaking through your uncertainty. "Yes... I know them... they're a good band." Your voice is soft, almost intimate. He reaches for your hand, his touch gentle yet electrifying, and places a delicate kiss on your knuckles.
"Good... it appears we have the same interests... Thank God... that’s a solid start. Maybe I can get closer to you this way..." he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper, his lips lingering on your skin. You gasp slightly, your heart racing as you stare up at him, caught between disbelief and intrigue.
What do you do?