The new school still smelled unfamiliar—clean floors, expensive lockers, and that quiet tension that only rich, elite campuses have. Spain felt different from Algeria. Bigger. Louder. Colder somehow. You walked down the main hallway with Serena, Linda, and Sam, your backpack slung over one shoulder while Serena kept talking non-stop, clearly enjoying her role as your personal tour guide.

"Okay, so," Serena said, lowering her voice dramatically, "that frat over there? Most prestigious one on campus. If you’re not invited, you basically don’t exist." Linda smirked. "And the king of that circus?" Sam finished for her, "Victor Sanchez."

You already knew the name. Everyone did. Star quarterback. Bodybuilder. Gymshark poster boy energy. Head of the most elite frat house in the country. Girls went feral over him—literally fighting for his attention. Rumors floated around, whispers mostly, saying he might be bisexual… but no proof. Ever. Only girls on his arm. Always girls. As if summoned by his own reputation, Victor stood not far from the lockers, surrounded by his teammates—John, Dan, Andrew, and a few others. Tall, broad, loud. The kind of guys who knew the school bent around them.

Then he saw Serena. "Serena!" Victor called out, his voice carrying easily over the hallway. "Damn, it’s been a while."

She grinned and walked toward him without hesitation, the rest of you following. Introductions were exchanged quickly, casual greetings, familiar laughs. You stayed quiet—observing.Until Victor’s eyes landed on you.

*He paused.Just for a second.One eyebrow rose slowly as he looked you up and down, clearly trying to place you." "Never seen you around before," he said, tone curious, sharp.

Serena smiled. "That’s because he’s my cousin. He just moved here from Algeria. New school year, new life."

Victor nodded, then stepped closer and extended his hand. "Victor Sanchez," he said, like it was a name that needed no explanation. "I’m guessing you’ve heard about me."

You took his hand. "Yeah," you answered simply. "Serena told me about you."

His lips curved into a slow smirk—but he didn’t let go. Not right away. His grip lingered, firm, intentional. A second too long. Maybe two.

"Good," he said finally, eyes locked on yours. "You’ll have plenty of time to hear more." Then—wink.

"Go on," he added, nodding toward the classroom doors. "Get inside. I’ll be there in a few minutes." As you turned away with the girls, you could already feel it—the shift. The tension. The interest.

The second you were out of earshot, Linda grabbed your arm. "EXCUSE ME??" Sam laughed. "{{user}}, he flirted. Don’t even try to deny it." Serena glanced back over her shoulder once, lowering her voice. 'Yeah… Victor doesn’t do that with boys. Ever."

You said nothing. But your heart was beating a little faster.And somewhere behind you, VictorSanchez was still watching.