Amaris' POV
The familiar black car glided to a gentle stop in front of Reefside High. The driver, a man in a neat black uniform, stepped out quickly and opened the door for me.
"Thank you," I said softly, gathering my bag and stepping out into the brisk morning air.
He inclined his head, his brow furrowed slightly in worry. "Have a good day, Miss Shin."
I smiled faintly at him, reassuring. I understood his concern. Unfortunately, the attack that happened yesterday was on the news, and while I came out unscathed, it was not something he would easily forget. I gave him a polite nod before turning toward the entrance.
The front steps were crowded with students, groups chatting animatedly as they made their way into the building. As I weaved my way through, my gaze automatically scanned the crowd—a habit now, one born from caution and necessity.
And then I saw her—Kira Ford.
She stood near the entrance, leaning casually against one of the pillars, her guitar case slung over one shoulder. A few students milled past her, but she didn't seem to notice. The morning sun caught in her hair, making it glow like burnished gold.
I slowed my steps without meaning to. 'Should I say hello? We were friends now... weren't we?'
Still, a part of me hesitated. It was foolish, truly. I knew she wouldn't mind. Yet the nagging voice in the back of my mind questioned every small action, demanding perfection even in simple interactions.
I shook my head sharply. 'Enough.'
Gathering myself, I smiled and approached her.
"Miss Ford," I called out, raising a hand in greeting.
Kira turned her head, momentarily surprised. When her gaze landed on me, her face lit up with a smile. She waved back enthusiastically.
"I told you already," she said with a laugh, "just call me Kira."
I gave a wry, almost sheepish smile. "I shall attempt once again," I said, inclining my head slightly.
She chuckled, a warm, easy sound that seemed to melt the morning chill around us. Then she extended her hand toward me without hesitation.
I reached out and took it.
Her hand was warm, her grip firm but friendly. It grounded me somehow.
We started walking inside together. It had become our quiet routine over the past few weeks—whenever we had the same first-period class, we would head there side by side.
I liked it more than I would ever admit out loud.
As we entered the classroom, we slipped into our usual seats—side by side, second row from the front, close enough to see but far enough not to draw attention.
Today's lesson was economics. I straightened my posture automatically, my pen poised over my notebook. Economics was vital. One day, I would stand at the helm of the Shin company, and I could not afford to be careless with knowledge as crucial as this.
Beside me, however, Kira was clearly less enthused. I caught her twirling her pen between her fingers, her gaze distant, her chin resting on her hand.
A small smile tugged at my lips. 'Perhaps… I could make it more interesting for her.'
Pretending to jot down a note, I instead scribbled in small, neat handwriting:
"If you don't listen, you might miss something cool."
Carefully, I nudged the note toward her side of the desk.
Kira blinked, glancing at it, then looked at me with a raised eyebrow. A mischievous smirk tugged at her lips. She rolled her eyes in exaggerated exasperation, but straightened up in her seat, directing her attention toward the teacher.
'Victory,' I thought, feeling an odd, fluttering warmth in my chest.
The lecture continued, numbers and theories filling the air. I took careful notes, occasionally sneaking glances at Kira. She was trying. I appreciated that more than I could say.
====================================
When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of third period class, we packed our things in companionable silence. "Goodbye, Mr. Westin," we chorused politely as we left.
Outside, we were immediately intercepted by familiar faces—Conner and Ethan.
"Hey!" Conner greeted, flashing a grin.
"Yo," Ethan added, offering his signature nod.
"Good morning," I said with a polite smile.
Kira bumped her shoulder lightly against mine in a teasing way as we fell into step with the boys.
I had worried for them so much after yesterday's attack, and seeing them safe—talking, laughing. The tight knot of worry that had clenched in my chest since yesterday, finally began to loosen.
Their conversation was animated and fast-paced, jumping from soccer to video games to some new sci-fi movie Ethan was excited about.
I listened quietly, inserting the occasional comment or chuckle when appropriate.
It was strange, how natural it felt to be part of this.
As we turned the corner, heading for the stairs to the next building, I caught sight of two figures standing on the stair landing.
Professor Oliver and Principal Randall.
"You were worried about me?" Principal Randall asked, her voice sharp yet touched with something softer underneath.
"Of course," Professor Oliver replied simply, meeting her gaze steadily.
For a moment, neither spoke. Students brushed past them, the stairwell alive with noise and movement, but they stood still in their own little bubble.
I pressed a hand to my mouth to hide the smile that threatened to spill over.
Back when I watched Power Rangers Dino Thunder, I had always shipped them—secretly, of course. There was something delicious about the idea of a hero and a former villain finding common ground.
"Enemies to lovers." It was perfect. Gold, as the internet would have said.
Of course, I had plans for Elsa—no, for Principal Randall. But not yet. Not while Mesogog's influence still clung so tightly to her. Timing was everything.
I was pulled from my thoughts when the bell rang, shrill and sharp.
"You okay?" Professor Oliver asked, leaning a little closer to Principal Randall.
"That's the bell, Dr. Oliver. Your next class isn't gonna teach itself, is it?" she quipped back, voice dry and amused.
And then, unexpectedly, Principal Randall turned her sharp gaze toward us.
"Amaris, come follow me," she said smoothly, without missing a beat, before walking briskly down the stairs.
I froze for a heartbeat, blinking. 'As expected of one of Mesogog's generals... she saw us.'
I turned to my companions and bowed slightly. "Please excuse me. I shall see you later."
I hurried after Principal Randall, catching up just as she disappeared around the corner.
I passed Professor Oliver on the way and gave him a polite nod. He gave a small, thoughtful smile in return.
====================================
Principal Randall's office was cool and immaculate, the blinds letting in shafts of morning light.
She gestured for me to enter and closed the door behind me.
She then took her seat behind her desk, folding her hands neatly atop it.
"I found out you fought well with the strange creatures yesterday," she said without preamble, her voice calm.
I kept my posture relaxed, hiding the stiffness in my muscles. "I was taught martial arts from a young age," I answered truthfully, without elaboration.
She studied me for a long moment, as if searching for cracks in my calm.
Finally, she nodded. "Because of your quick thinking, not a single student was injured. You have my applause."
For a fleeting moment, I caught it—an expression that flickered across her eyes.
Gratitude. Not Mesogog's cold manipulation, but true, untainted gratitude.
I smiled, soft and genuine. "I only did what was right, Principal Randall."
She leaned back slightly in her chair. "The landowners feel guilty about the incident. They have offered to donate new supplies for the school clinic."
A pause. A beat of something unsaid hanging in the air.
Finally, she gave a small nod. "That is all. You are dismissed."
I bowed my head. "Thank you, Principal Randall. Please have a good day."
As I stepped out into the hallway, the door closing softly behind me, I allowed myself a deep breath.
Despite everything... despite Mesogog's influence... Elsa's humanity still lingered.
'I won't need Plan B,' I thought with cautious hope.
My steps were lighter as I made my way to my next class, the weight that had pressed against my heart all morning lifting little by little.