Before Blake could answer, Skylar, Jessie, and Stephanie walked into the hall. Skylar’s long legs carried her toward the center, her polished aura turning heads again. Jessie was laughing, probably at something sarcastic, and Stephanie was glancing at her schedule like she was double-checking it for the third time.
“That,” Blake gestured subtly, “is the royal circle I told you about.”
“Yeah,” Justin murmured, watching Skylar from the corner of his eye. “I figured."
Blake side-eyed him. “You know them?”
“Maybe.”
Before she could question further, Nathan strutted in with two of his close friends—Ethan and Colby—all wearing smug grins and designer brands.
“Showtime,” Blake whispered, clearly irritated. “Here comes the walking ego parade.”
Nathan’s gaze darted immediately to Skylar… then to Justin.
His jaw ticked.
Sliding into a seat two rows behind Skylar’s group, he leaned toward his friends.
“That’s the guy,” he muttered under his breath.
Ethan looked over. “The one who snorted when you got curved?”
Colby grinned. “He doesn't look bad, could give you a run for your money.”
“Yeah right ” Nathan said darkly. “Something’s not quite right with him it gives me a weird vibes plus Skylar’s already cold toward me this semester. My guess that even though it can't be him it's at least related to.”
“What’s the play?”
Nathan smirked. “Keep eyes on him. If he steps out of line, we’ll remind him where he stands.”
Meanwhile, Blake continued pointing out familiar faces for Justin, oblivious to the storm brewing behind them.
“That's Jessie,” she said, nodding toward the brunette tossing her hair while talking animatedly. “She’s hot, smart, and a little crazy. And the guy magnet behind her is Skylar, obviously. Her kid sister, Stephanie, is the cute quiet one who probably knows everyone’s GPA.”
Justin said nothing.
“Seriously though,” Blake added, lowering her voice, “Skylar’s group is untouchable here. Whatever you do… try not to piss them off.”
Justin gave a dry chuckle. “Got that...mom.” He added making her roll her eyes at him.
The door creaked open again—this time, silence followed.
A tall, sharp-eyed man in his late forties stepped in, the tap of his shoes echoing with authority. The conversations died. Students straightened. Laptops opened.
Professor Aldridge.
He dropped his leather folder on the table, glanced up, and scanned the room like a hawk choosing its first prey.
“I see some familiar faces,” he said, voice crisp. “And a few new ones.”
His gaze landed on Justin.
“You,” Aldridge said, gesturing with a finger. “You’re not on my roster. Was informed that there'll be a transfer student. Why don't you introduce yourself to the class. ”
All eyes turned. The room held its breath.
Justin slowly stood, straight-backed and calm walking towards the podium then smoothly introduced himself.
“Justin,” he said simply, voice low but clear. “I’m here because I got suspended a lot from my former school".
A few chuckles rippled across the room—Jessie laughed out loud, unable to hide it.
Skylar, seated with arms crossed, raised an eyebrow in spite of herself. Even Stephanie cracked a small smile, while Blake covered her mouth, whispering, “What a way to introduce oneself…”
Professor Aldridge narrowed his eyes. “*scoffs* Hope you don't plan on continuing that here. Sit.”
Justin nodded, hands in pockets, and began walking back to his seat.
But Colby, one of Nathan’s lapdogs, subtly shifted his foot into the aisle, smirking.
Justin didn’t hesitate.
He stepped down hard.
CRUNCH.
Colby yelped like a kicked puppy and clutched his foot, eyes bulging.
The class instantly paused everyone attention drawn towards the scream wondering who made a noise that sounded more like a dying cat.
Professor Aldridge snapped his gaze toward the commotion. “Problem?”
Colby’s face flushed. “N-No, sir. Just—cramp. Old injury.”
The professor gave him a long look, unconvinced, then turned back to the board. “Right. Moving on.”
Justin slid into his seat beside Blake as if nothing happened.
She leaned over. “That was hot.”
“Cramp,” Justin muttered dryly. “Very serious condition.”