The mountains rise outside the car window, their snowy peaks glowing under the afternoon sun. Everything here feels different — colder, sharper, more beautiful. You tug your jacket tighter, nerves fluttering in your stomach. You should be excited — you are — but the closer you get to your new school, the harder it is to ignore the creeping anxiety.

Back home, life was easy. You had your friends, your perfect little bubble where everyone knew your name. But this? A boarding school in Switzerland? This was a whole new world. You’d heard it was prestigious — the kind of place where the children of CEOs, royalty, and celebrities went. You wondered if you’d fit in.

When the car pulls through the iron gates, your breath catches. The school looks like something out of a movie — stone towers, sprawling lawns, and mountains rising behind them. Students walk in groups, laughing, already settled into their routines. You hope it won’t take long to find your place.

But the moment you step out, you feel eyes on you. Curious glances, whispered words. You’re used to attention, but this feels different — more intense, more scrutinizing. You lift your chin, trying not to let it show.

And then you see him. Chase.

He stands with a group of friends, laughing in that easy, confident way of people who know they’re popular. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, his blonde hair falling just enough into his eyes to give him that effortlessly cool look. A worn leather jacket hangs over his uniform, breaking the rules just enough to make it a statement.

He catches you looking. And, of course, he smirks.

“New girl, huh?” he calls out, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. There’s a teasing edge in his voice, but his eyes are warm, curious.

You feel heat rise to your face, but you refuse to look away.

“That’s me,” you answer, matching his tone with a coolness you don’t quite feel.

He grins wider. “Welcome to the jungle, princess.”