06

For the first time ever, I don’t really pay attention to my class.

Which is weird, since I’m hell-bent on getting the perfect grades and am eager to prove my worth.

But as of right now, I’m transfixed on Roman at the front of the class.

Who hasn’t looked in my direction anymore. It’s like he’s making it a point to ignore me.

But that doesn’t deter me from staring at him. For gazing at the way his lips move and the stern look in his eyes during the first half of our class.

Tess sits beside me, taking notes but drooling over him as well.

« We got lucky, » she sighs in bliss and rests her chin on the palm of her hand. « Veeeery lucky. »

« Shut up, » I hiss at her. « He’s not that hot. » A lie.

« You haven’t taken your eyes off him since the moment you stepped inside. You shut up, » she snorts beside me.

« Did not, » I snap back.

« Did too. »

« You’re so annoying, I can’t… »

« If you’re going to continue to disrupt my class, I’d suggest you take your talk outside. »

Tess and I both freeze in our spots, and I turn around in my seat to see Roman’s eyes glaring at us.

It feels like he’s robbing me of my breath with his gaze, and he seems pissed off.

Titling his head to the side, he arches a brow. « Well, what’s it going to be ? »

« I’m sorry, sir, » I say quietly and sit up a bit, composing myself and hitting Tess beside me with my elbow when he glances away.

Stuck up, much ?

There’s no trace of friendliness on his face, though he does patiently answer each of the students’ questions about our upcoming assignments and tasks.

He explains his way of teaching, which isn’t too different from our previous professor, and all in all, he seems like a decent prof who excels in what he does and is passionate about.

I still have no idea what he’s doing here, teaching us architectural design.

I decide to really take him in and compare him to Matteo. The only thing they have in common is their tan and bronze complexion, but that’s about it.

Matteo has more features from his mother, while Roman clearly takes after his father in build and face.

Matteo has shorter hair that isn’t as silky or curly as his brother’s, and his nose is a bit crooked from being punched multiple times.

While Roman has a darker aura around him. He has the slightest of stubble dusting his face, and it looks too good on him.

The way his eyes turn up whenever he sends a closed-lipped smile to someone does things to me that should be forbidden.

When class is over, I hesitantly go down the stairs and wonder if I should go up and talk to Roman, or not.

Because there isn’t a lot to say, but seeing as he’s my boyfriend’s brother, maybe a greeting would be the best ?

It soon becomes clear that Roman doesn’t want any of that. He packs up his shit and slings his messenger bag over his shoulder, heading out as well and greeting another lecturer as they enter the room.

Keeping a professional distance, got it.

And for a strange reason, that disappoints me.

I don’t know what I was waiting for. A look ? A nod of acknowledgment ? It was wishful thinking to hope for a tiny smile.

Exiting class, I plan on heading to the library with Tess to study some more until our next class in about two hours.

Maybe I’ll text Zainab and the other girls to catch up over some coffee.

While walking, I spot a familiar blonde striding over campus.

A blonde that’s all too familiar and whom I grew up with, as well.

Katherine Hartley.

Daughter of one of mom’s dearest friends, Laurene or better known as Laure.

Katherine grew up in our neighborhood as well, along with her two siblings who are younger than her.

Her sister that’s two years younger, Poppy, is a lot sweeter and nicer than her older sister, though.

Where Katherine is distant and sophisticated, Poppy is sweet and a people-pleaser, who is usually loved by everyone.

Katherine is… different.

Someone a lot of people stay away from, and one of the most popular girls at NYU. Everyone knows her and her football star boyfriend, Chase.

She’s known to be cold and mean to everyone, though I’ve never had an issue with her.

She’s always acted somewhat civil toward me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how she acts with other people.

I know how she is with Valentina, and it’s only cruel. Valentina has suffered by the hands and words of Katherine.

That’s why I never make it a point to come close to her, even when we’re all in the neighborhood together. She’s cruel for no reason.

Her parents live close to mine, but she never socializes or interacts with any of us despite the fact we grew up together.

The usual group of girls is gathered around her as she walks, wanting to talk to her and get the feeling of belonging to the same group as her.

To climb the supposed and stupid social ladder by being her friend.

Shaking my head, I continue my way to the library, and once there, I text the girls to come over with some coffee.

« I need to go, but I’ll mail you the notes I took during class since you were so distracted, » Tess smirks and gives me a quick hug, before taking off and leaving me alone in the library.

But when I step into the library and take a look around, I see that I’m not alone once I spot my cousin.

Violet.

She’s aunt Elena’s daughter, who’s like a world-famous music artist together with her husband, uncle Ares.

I always loved spending time with them, uncle Ares is always so sweet to me and really spoils his only child, Violet.

I go to take a seat with her at the table, and she looks up, her beautiful eyes clashing against mine.

She has blue eyes, mixed with green at the edges. They’re a stark contrast to the dark hair she has. Our hair color is similar, both being close to black.

« Hi Alyssa, » she smiles and takes off her headphones, setting them down next to her laptop.

I always like to joke about how spoiled she is by her parents, given she’s an only child, and even though she’s a bit spoiled, I can’t say anything bad about her given how kind she is.

Though, she definitely gets her rude side from her father. But it pops up rarely, only when she’s provoked.

She mostly keeps to herself on campus. Being the child of a pop star isn’t easy and she gets recognized often, and even though aunt and uncle were heavily against it, Violet still pleaded for them to let her go to NYU.

She’s only eighteen, but she skipped a grade because she’s stupid smart.

« Hey Vi, » I smile and get my own things out of my bag. « How was your day ? » I ask, and she proceeds to tell me about her classes and some people she talked to already, being proud of herself for socializing.

« Were they kind to you ? » I ask, and she nods.

« As far as I could tell, they were genuine, » she grins, « But don’t worry, I can watch out for myself. Everyone treats me as if I’m so fragile. I’m okay, though. »

« Just making sure, Vi, » I tell her, and then ask her if she wants some coffee or tea so I can tell Zainab to bring some, but Violet declines.

Ten minutes later, my best friend arrives together with Zoe and Charlie. Zainab hands me my black coffee which I eagerly take a sip of and groan in delight.

« I needed this, » I sigh and set it aside, turning to my friends who all greet Violet as well.

Zainab is wearing a white hijab today, accompanied by a white, fluffy bucket hat and a long, beige coat to go along with it.

She’s wearing golden jewelry over her turtle neck and her nails are decorated with rings as well.

She always looks stunning.

« There were so many people at the coffee shop, it was ridiculous, » she sighs as soon as she’s taken a seat.