Dora and I walked through the school hallway, eager to leave the student lounge behind. Despite the empty lounge and Hagan's departure, she seemed terrified of his return. I initially resisted leaving, feeling it was unfair to surrender the lounge to his intimidating influence. Every student was entitled to it, after all. But Dora's desperate eyes told a different story, and I wondered if she was being bullied.

The silence between us grew thick until Dora broke it. "Do you know Hagan?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. My expression must have told her, because she muttered, "Oh, you don't?" with a hint of surprise.

"The air wasn't exactly friendly in the lounge, was it?" I asked, my sarcasm evident. Dora's apology trailed off, and I quickly clarified, "No offense meant." Our awkward silence stretched for minutes, making me increasingly uncomfortable.

Finally, I asked, "Are you being bullied by him, or did you two have a history?" Dora's laughter caught me off guard. I studied her, unsure if her amusement was genuine or forced.

"Sorry," she said, coughing, her eyes still shining with amusement, "but it's Hagan Vermilion we're talking about here. The arrogant twin from the lounge..." I mirrored her skepticism, my raised eyebrow a silent question.

"Yeah, I gathered that much," I replied. Dora's expression turned serious. "Hagan doesn't do relationships; just fleeting encounters. He's emotionally detached, exploiting women – celebrities, professors, intelligent high-society women, never anyone from my social circle. They know the deal and don't hesitate to engage with him."

I nodded, absorbing the revelation. Dora's words brought back memories of my previous college, where students would secretly hook up with professors and others.

"What really sparked my curiosity, however, was Dora's comment about him never dating anyone within her social circle," I thought. I was tempted to ask what she meant by that but chose not to press for details, wary of overstepping.

"And for the record, that was the first time he's spoken to me since I enrolled," Dora continued, her voice heavy with malice. "Except for that condescending 'ladies' comment, aimed more at you than me." She mimicked Hagan's tone, her lips curling.

I chuckled, intrigued by her exhibition. "Okay..."

"Oh, and it's definitely not the other way around. I wouldn't be here breathing or talking to you if it were." I smiled at her response.

Dora's response was instant. "Everyone steers clear of him here, and I'm not about to be the exception."

"Why?" I asked, and realized we now sat in an empty classroom.

"I don't even know where to start," she said, her voice barely audible. "The rumors about the Vermillions are always wild, but Hagan takes the cake here at the institute – mafia ties, psychopath tendencies... he's supposedly untouchable."

I raised an eyebrow. "And people believe this?" Dora nodded.

"It gets worse. His best friend, Julian, vanished mid-first year. Everyone thinks Hagan was involved." My eyes widened.

"That's insane. Why would he hurt his own friend?" Dora's voice dropped even lower.

"No one knows... Julian was close to the Vermillion brothers, especially Hagan. They were inseparable." I shook my head, incredulous.

"This can't be true." Dora's gaze locked onto mine.

"I wouldn't be so sure. Especially with scary things I've heard about Hagan." She paused, recalling a past incident.

"There was this student who claimed she slept with Hagan, posted edited pictures together, and made a huge scene. She seemed obsessed. Then, she vanished, and rumors swirled that she was institutionalized." Dora chuckled.

"And, at some point, people questioned his sexuality? Said he was gay or bi?"

"That he just uses women to hide that fact." She rolled her eyes. "As if."

I choked back a laugh at the idea of Hagan getting busted from behind.

"Yet, his silence is deafening, fueling the rumors rather than quelling them. He neither confirms nor denies the gossip, as if oblivious to its presence."

"'It's strange,' she noted. 'He doesn't appear to seek attention, but attention always finds him.'"

"'Even the recent scandal involving his mom hasn't broken his silence,' Dora added, her voice laced with intrigue."

I nodded, having seen the news.

"He only talks to those he deems worthy – close friends and family," Dora added, perplexed by Hagan's silence amidst the rumors.

"Now you know why I was so uneasy at the lounge," she said, releasing a deep breath.

"Even Keegan knows to tread carefully around him; nobody wants to provoke a ticking time bomb." She said.

I froze at the thought of the unsettling encounter with Hagan. He'd labeled me a 'naive newcomer,' recognizing my unfamiliarity with the institute and made a menacing threat. I mentally vowed to steer clear of him, not out of fear, but because he reeked of trouble.

"And what about Keegan?" I asked.

Dora started to respond, but my phone buzzed with Alaia's text: "Hey, Cass! Meet me and Elvis at the cafeteria." I smiled, tucking my phone away.

"I have to go meet my friends," I told Dora, already standing up.

Dora's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Mind if I tag along?"

I nodded. "Your company would be great. Besides, I'm still finding my way around the campus."

*************
We stepped into the grand, elegant cafeteria, its elite atmosphere enveloping me. High ceilings, polished floors, and sprawling windows showcased the expansive space. The air vibrated with laughter and chatter, as students mingled in clusters, their conversations flowing like a lively current.

Amidst the sea of faces, a few solitary figures sat eating, lost in their own worlds. My gaze swept the grand hall, seeking Alaia's and Elvis'. That's when I spotted him – Hagan, his intense stare fixed on his phone. As if sensing my attention, he looked up. Our eyes clashed, and a flash of annoyance crossed his face.

His eyes narrowed, as if I'd breached his private space. I felt a surge of indignation and shot back my best irritated look, rolling my eyes at his audacity, turning away from his scowl.

My gaze shifted, and I caught sight of his twin, Keegan, already staring at me. His captivating smile drew me in, warm and inviting. Despite the twins sharing identical features, their personalities starkly contrasted – Hagan's, cold and guarded; Keegan's, warm and open.

I refocused on finding Alaia and Elvis, my eyes scanning the crowded cafeteria until their familiar faces came into view.

Dora stood beside me, and we lingered at the entrance for a moment, taking in the lively atmosphere. Finally, I spotted them and whispered to Dora, "Let's go."

We navigated through the sea of students, and as we approached, Elvis's bright smile landed on us. His booming voice cut through the chatter.

"Cass! Long time no see! How's your first day of lectures going?" He winked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mine was a snooze-fest."

I couldn't help but grin. "About the same."

Elvis's gaze shifted to Dora, his expression teasing. "And you've brought a friend!"

I swiftly intervened, introducing Dora with a warm smile. "Meet Dora, my new friend. Dora, this is Elvis and Alaia, my close friends."

Elvis's friendly handshake diffused the tension, but Alaia's chilly demeanor left Dora visibly unsettled.

As we settled in, Dora's unease was almost tangible. Just then, one of the twins approached, sending my heart racing. But instead of Hagan's scowl, Keegan's disarming smile put me at ease.

Keegan slid into the seat beside Alaia, his gaze meeting mine across the table. His chiseled features and intricate arm tattoos made him just as striking as his brother.

As he glanced over at Hagan, who was now engrossed in conversation at the far end of the table, I took a fleeting moment to observe him.

A sly grin spread across my face, thinking of Elle's reaction when I tell her I sat opposite her crush today – surprisingly carefree, despite his mother's scandal.

Keegan turned back to me, his warm smile intensifying. "I'm Keegan," he said, his low, smooth voice sending shivers down my spine. "Nice to finally meet you, Cassiel. Alaia's told me a lot about you."

My heart skipped a beat, wondering what secrets Alaia had shared about me. Since Elvis had already mentioned his closeness to the twins, Keegan's presence didn't faze me, but Alaia—I didn't know what type of relationship she had with him that would prompt her to do that?

"All good, I hope?" I asked, attempting to sound casual.

Keegan's grin turned mischievous. "Mostly," he teased, rubbing the side of his neck with his index finger and earning a warning glare from Alaia.

"Like your talent for art," Keegan added, alleviating my concern. "She said you're quite the skilled artist."

Alaia shot him a sidelong glance, her head resting on her right arm.

"Cass, those are signs that Alaia's got a major crush on you," Elvis joked. "She's more invested in your life than you are!"

Alaia playfully rolled her eyes at Elvis.

Dora, now at ease, smiled. "Well, now I'm intrigued – I would love to have a drawing of myself, if you don't mind?"

"One of these days," I agreed with a smile, but Alaia's skeptical gaze met Dora's.

Elvis grinned, looking at me with admiration. "Cassiel's been an artistic genius since childhood."

I blushed. "Just a hobbyist."

"Aww, come on, babe," Elvis drawled, "Awards and adoring fans beg to differ."

Keegan's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to see your work regardless."

"Maybe sometime," I replied, feeling shy.

Keegan turned to Dora, finally noticing her. "Sorry, my manners! But you are...?" He asked, "Are you also new here?"

Dora introduced herself, explaining she'd been at the university since her first year. "We've had lectures together," she added.

Keegan nodded, at a loss for words.

Elvis raised an eyebrow, prompting Keegan to tease, "Shut it, Elvis."

Elvis laughed. "What? I didn't even say a word!"

Keegan, oblivious to Alaia's subtle irritation, asked, "Still up for tonight's race?"

Alaia scoffed in disbelief. "Glad you finally noticed I'm here."

Keegan sidled up to her, wrapping a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "Hey, sorry about that."

Alaia's scowl transformed into a warm smile as they exchanged a tender glance.

I rolled my eyes, feeling uneasy for bringing Dora into this awkward scene.

"Elvis interrupted the awkward silence. "Sure, I'm all in."

Keegan turned to look at me. "You joining us tonight?"

I raised an eyebrow, confused. "At your family's racing track?" he clarified, his smile growing.

Elvis snickered. "Save your breath, Keegan. She's socially allergic to fun."

Alaia nodded in agreement, her expression dull.

Their skepticism only fueled my resolve. After all, it's a private racing track owned by their family. No laws would be broken.

"Actually, I'm in," I declared, mirroring Keegan's grin. "One condition: Dora comes too," I added.

Keegan's smirked. "The more, the merrier."

I turned to Dora, who beamed with excitement.

Alaia's eyes flashed toward me, her expression disapproving.

Elvis, previously engrossed in his phone, stared at me, stunned. "Wait, what? You're coming too, and also inviting her?"

Alaia asked, her tone incredulous.

I ignored her question, knowing the game we were playing.

Elvis teased, "Cassiel's social battery's finally charged! Who knew all it took was a new friend?"

Alaia and I shot him a knock-it-off glance.

"Understood," Elvis said calmly. "No further comments from me."

I remained silent, avoiding further discomfort for Dora.

Dora intervened, her voice calm and measured. "I'm not doing anything tonight. It's nice to be included."

Alaia's glares intensified, fueling my growing irritation.

"I've had enough of your petty behavior," I said, standing up, my tone firm but controlled. "It's clear you're uncomfortable with me forming new connections and don't want either Dora or me here. I'll spare you the discomfort. Let's go, Dora."

Turning to Keegan, I said warmly, "It was great meeting you."

To myself, I thought, "After meeting both twins in one day, I have to say I much prefer Keegan's friendly demeanor – a refreshing contrast to Hagan's."

Without glancing at Alaia or Elvis, I walked out, sensing Dora behind me.

Before exiting, I sneaked a glance at Hagan's previous spot, but he had vanished.

My frustration grew, in disbelief at myself that I cast a brief glance at the guy who seemed displeased with my very existence.

I quickly exited the cafeteria.

"Hey, wait up!" Dora called.

I turned, feeling guilty.

"Sorry about the awkward encounter, and especially Alaia's behavior."

Dora brushed it off. "It wasn't all that bad, and I didn't say anything."

Her tone hinted at unease as she said, "Your family seems pretty well-off, judging by your friends."

Her gaze flickered with a fleeting distrust before returning to neutral.

I sensed a sting from her dismissive label and opted to shift gears.

"Let's head to class," I said, my tone light but firm, ending the conversation.

Finally, my lectures ended, and I waited for Dora while ignoring messages and calls from my friends, still annoyed by what happened at the cafeteria.

As she emerged from the lecture hall, laughing and chatting with a few of her friends or mates, our eyes met for a fleeting moment before she returned to her conversation.

The familiar scene triggered a painful flashback from my previous college days, and I felt my legs give way.

Dora's hand swiftly grasped my arm, steadying me. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Still reeling, I held my head, struggling to process Dora's words.

Her voice gradually became clearer: "Cass, are you okay?" she repeated.

I finally composed myself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired," I replied.

Her concern lingered. "Do you need me to walk you to the dorm?"

"I'm good," I insisted, hiding the truth. "I don't stay at the dorm; I commute from home. Don't worry, I can walk myself."

Dora's skepticism remained. "Okay," she said hesitantly. "Let's exchange numbers so I can check on you when you get home."

We exchanged numbers, and I clarified, "So, you stay at the dorm?"

"Yeah," she admitted.

"Take care of yourself," Dora said, still not very convinced.

I nodded curtly and swiftly walked towards the car, still shaken by the earlier incident.

As I reached the park, my chauffeur awaited beside the vehicle, ready to open the door for me.

"How was school today, ma'am?" he inquired.

I nodded again and stepped into the sedan's quiet refuge.

The door closed with a soft thud, shielding me from the world.