The cafeteria was no ordinary place to have lunch. Reserved exclusively for the children of influential families whose contributions helped run the school, it was a privilege that only a select few could enjoy.

It was a place where calm met chaos.

Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead, while paintings by renowned artists adorned the walls. Elegant silver utensils were arranged neatly on polished tables, and soft, cushioned chairs added a touch of luxury to the sophisticated dining area.

The entire place resembled a miniature five-star restaurant.

Tables were filled with delicious delicacies, their tempting aromas drifting through the air. Beside the serving counter stood a server holding a small notebook and pen, ready to attend to the guests' requests.

At one of the tables sat four students: Zoey, Stella, Kavin, and Mia.

Their table was filled with laughter and lively conversation.

However, amid all the chatter, Kavin seemed a little distracted.

His eyes kept wandering toward Mia.

Kavin's POV

How can someone look so cute while smiling?

I genuinely don't understand how anyone could bully such a kind soul. She's a little like Zoey, but there's something different about her.

How can people be so cruel to someone who has done nothing wrong?

He watched Mia for another moment before quickly looking away, hoping nobody had noticed.

POV End

Meanwhile, the conversation returned to Mia's unpleasant encounter with Celine, MJ, and Damian.

Just then, three familiar figures entered the cafeteria.

Celine Foster walked in with her usual confident expression, followed by MJ and Damian. Their eyes wandered across the room until they spotted the group.

Surprise flickered across their faces.

"What are you guys doing here?" one of them asked.

Stella leaned back in her chair, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

"We're having a pajama party. Wanna join us?"

MJ glanced at her outfit before raising an eyebrow.

"Funny. I don't see any pajamas."

Stella gave him a sweet smile.

"That's because your eyesight needs professional attention."

MJ pressed his lips together, fighting back a laugh.

Before he could reply, Damian's attention shifted toward Mia.

His expression turned cold.

"What are you doing here?" he asked bluntly. "You don't belong here."

Mia's smile slowly disappeared.

The cheerful atmosphere around the table changed instantly. She lowered her gaze, suddenly finding the food in front of her far more interesting than the people standing nearby.

Kavin noticed the change immediately.

His expression hardened.

"Of course she belongs here," he replied defensively. "She's having lunch with us. Is there a problem with that?"

Celine let out a quiet scoff.

"I'm sure Stella belongs here. But you and this cutie Mia, or whatever her name is? I'm not so sure about that."

Stella's smile vanished.

She straightened in her chair, her eyes narrowing at Celine.

"Who do you think you are to speak about my sweetheart like that?"

For a brief moment, MJ seemed to forget everything else.

His attention settled on one particular word.

Sweetheart.

A slow smile appeared on his face.

"Ooh! So, she's your sweetheart?"

Stella shot him a warning look.

"Don't start."

But Zoey, who had been watching the exchange with growing amusement, decided to join in.

"Of course she is!" she exclaimed, wrapping an arm around Mia's shoulders. "Just look at how cute she is. She's practically born to be someone's sweetheart!"

Mia's cheeks turned pink at the unexpected attention.

Despite everything, a small smile returned to her face.

Then Zoey's phone began to ring.

She glanced at the screen and answered the call.

"Hello?"

Her playful expression gradually changed as she listened.

After a brief conversation, she ended the call and stood up.

"Kavin, we need to leave. Something urgent has come up."

Kavin looked at her questioningly but didn't argue.

He gathered his belongings and rose from his chair.

"We'll see you guys later," Zoey said, giving the others a quick smile.

Then she and Kavin left the cafeteria together.

The remaining students returned to their lunch, although the tension from the earlier confrontation lingered in the air.

MJ, however, found himself glancing at Stella more than once.

And Stella seemed determined to pretend she hadn't noticed.

Some things had changed. Some feelings had begun to stir. And some rivalries were only getting started.

End of Chapter 2 🌙

💌 A little question for my readers!❄️🌸

Tell me in the comments!

* What do you think Zoey's urgent phone call was about?

* Which character caught your attention the most in this chapter?

Stay tuned for Chapter 4: The Unexpected Encounter, where a grand mansion, an unexpected reunion, and a certain cold-hearted boy await Zoey. 💙