Chapter 10
Glacial Sphere Academy's Cafe
Inside the cafe, the atmosphere was a blend of levity and tension. Three students lounged on a plush, C-shaped sofa, laughter ringing out with an almost oblivious confidence. It was the kind of arrogance that made the air feel thicker, as if the very space around them dared not challenge their superiority.
They were the only ones there, having rented the entire cafe, leaving the other seven students feeling like spectators in a performance they hadn't quite signed up for. With nervous glances exchanged, they attempted to blend into the background, unsure of how to navigate the dynamics of the trio before them.
Leading the charge was Whitney Owen, her laughter infectious yet laced with arrogance. Next to her was Rex Harrison, a guy with rugged charm and an aloof smile that could melt ice but chose to freeze them instead. Finally, there sat Edge Killian, whose serious expression contrasted sharply with the lightheartedness of his companions. He was the one who had rented the entire place, but for now, he remained silent, listening to the relentless chatter.
"Hey, Rex," one of the braver students ventured, breaking the awkward atmosphere that had settled over the group. "I heard that a pretty classmate of yours picked a dagger as her main weapon and that you were seated next to her."
The comment was met with a round of giggles, punctuated by Whitney's derisive snort. "Pfft," she stifled another laugh, her expression one of mock disbelief. "You're seriously interested in that kind of gossip?"
Rex shrugged, cocking an eyebrow as he leaned back casually, his gaze drifting to the student who dared to speak up. "So what if she's seated next to me? She's nothing special, and Whitney here"—he grinned at her—"is far more beautiful than she will ever be."
"R-right," piped up one of the girls, chuckling nervously. "Whitney has both beauty and brains, but that girl clearly isn't thinking straight."
At this, the rest of the students joined in to laugh, the sound echoing off around them.
"Right?" Whitney smiled at the girl who had just sided with her, and the boys around her swooned over her apparent beauty as if entranced by a sorceress. "So, answer this question, who's prettier—me or Angela?"
The nervous laughter from the others faded abruptly, replaced by an uncomfortable silence that darkened the room. All eyes shifted to the girl who had just agreed with Whitney.