The classroom buzzed with the usual morning chatter, students filtering in one by one. The soft shuffle of footsteps and the distant hum of conversations filled the air. You walked in, quiet as always, your expression unreadable, eyes focused on the desk ahead of you. Just another day of blending into the background — or so you thought.

But someone was waiting.

Leaning casually against the wall near the windows, Elliott's sharp eyes followed your every movement. His signature smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, a glint of amusement dancing in his gaze. The golden boy of the school — top athlete, top grades, and the one person who always seemed to challenge you, pushing you in every class, every competition. Your rival.

Today, however, there was something different about the way he looked at you. Like he knew something. Something important.

As you approached your desk, he finally spoke, his voice low but clear enough for you to hear over the classroom’s murmur.

“I know your secret, {{user}}."

You froze mid-step, your fingers tightening around the strap of your bag. Slowly, you turned to face him, but your expression remained neutral, betraying nothing. Inside, though, your mind raced. What secret?

Then you saw the spark of recognition in his eyes, the satisfaction of someone who had put the pieces together. He leaned in just slightly, enough to let his words hang between you like a challenge.

“Starling.”

Your heart skipped a beat.

No. He couldn’t possibly know. Starling — the renowned underground dancer whose electrifying performances had captivated countless audiences in competition and online clips — was a part of your world you kept far, far away from school. From this world.

And yet, Elliott had found out.

“I was at the dance competition last night,” he continued, his voice dripping with amusement. “Funny thing… I wasn’t expecting to see the quiet, straight-A {{user}} Harper tearing up the stage. But there you were. Mask or not, I’d recognize those eyes anywhere.”