New school · Y/n story by @adeliameadows

The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Ashford Academy's west wing, casting long shadows across the polished marble floors. The hallways were empty, save for the occasional staff member hurrying past with a stack of papers or a cup of coffee.

Mrs. Albright

Ah, you must be Y/n. We've been expecting you. Come in, come in.

The classroom was warm, filled with the low murmur of students settling into their seats. Twenty-odd heads turned in unison, curious eyes landing on the newcomer.

Mrs. Albright

Class, this is Y/n. She's joining us from Moscow, Russia. I expect you all to make her feel welcome.

A ripple of whispers spread through the room. Somewhere in the back, a low chuckle escaped—a sound that drew the attention of the entire class.

Dante

Moscow, huh? elbows the boy next to him That's a long way from Daddy's money.

Ryder

snickers, leaning back in his chair Maybe she's a spy. Or a runaway oligarch.

The five of them sat in the back row, a cluster of tailored blazers and careless confidence. Dante leaned forward, elbows on the desk, a lazy grin playing on his lips. Ryder had a cigarette tucked behind his ear, a clear violation of school policy that no teacher dared mention.

Mattheo

murmurs to Elias She doesn't look like she eats much.

Elias

smirks Maybe she's on a diet.

Nikolai

says nothing, grey eyes fixed on Y/n with an unreadable expression

Mrs. Albright

clears throat loudly That's enough. Y/n, there's an empty seat by the window.

The seat she pointed to was in the second row, far from the five boys. But the whispers didn't stop, and the snickers lingered in the air like smoke.