Chapter 1: The Scent of Creed Aventus
The afternoon sun shone through the school’s tall glass windows, brightening the grand stone hallways. The campus was spacious and beautifully designed, surrounded by well-kept gardens, tall trees, and quiet courtyards with marble benches.
The school was known for its excellent education and beautiful facilities. Everything was clean and well-maintained, from the polished tiled floors to the spacious, air-conditioned classrooms. Students from different backgrounds studied there-some came from wealthy families, while others were middle-class or attended through scholarships.
Despite the differences among its students, the school welcomed everyone equally. The busy hallways were filled with students chatting, laughing, and hurrying to their next classes.
Vanessa was one of the many students hurrying through the hallway.
She was already in her third year of high school. Coming from a middle-class family, she was raised to live a simple and modest life. She had a petite frame, porcelain-fair skin, and almond-shaped eyes that seemed to always hold a quiet depth.Despite her gentle and composed nature, there was no trace of her usual poise at that moment.
Only a few minutes remained before her first afternoon class started.
In her hands, she carefully balanced two plastic cups of iced coffee from the campus cafe-one for herself, and the other for her friend waiting upstairs on their classroom. The cold plastic was slick with heavy condensation, and as Vanessa practically sprinted up the concrete stairs, she fought to keep her balance without spilling a drop.
“I’m late” she muttered under her breath, taking two step at a time
But because she was in such a hurry, all her attention was focused on the cups in her hands and the steps beneath her.
She didn’t notice the tall figure coming down the stairs.
until-
SPLASH
In a split second, her small body collided hard against a pair of firm shoulders. The impact shook the iced coffee in Vanessa’s hand, causing it to spill all over the girl’s white uniform. The cold coffee spread across the girl freshly ironed uniform, leaving a large stain on the front.
Her eyes widened in absolute horror as she took in the damage. The stranger’s crisp white shirt was now ruined, stained with a broad, dark brown streak that rapidly soaked through the fabric.
Panic seized her immediately. With trembling hands, Vanessa quickly pressed her palms together at her chest and bowed her head in a frantic Wai-a traditional gesture of deep apology. She couldn’t even bring herself to look the girl in the eye, bracing for the inevitable: sharp insults, raised voices, or an embarrassing scene in front of everyone
I’m so, so sorry! I was rushing because I’m late for class... I really didn’t see you! I’m so sorry!” Vanessa blurted out repeatedly, her voice shaking on the verge of tears.
No harsh words followed
Instead, she felt two soft yet firm hands settle gently onto her shoulders, easing her back upright.
“Calm down... relax,” a voice whispered, smooth and low, followed by a light, breathy chuckle.
Surprised, Vanessa slowly looked up and froze.
Standing in front of Vanessa was a girl who seemed entirely unfamiliar. She was tall, with fair skin, long dark hair, and striking eyes that seemed to smile on their own. Up close, her features were effortlessly stunning.
“It’s really okay” the tall girl said, offering a reassuring smile as she looked down at her stained shirt. “It’s just coffee. It’ll wash right out.”
“B-but... the stain is huge!” Van blurted out, her voice trembling under a heavy tide of guilt.
“Please, let me take it to the laundry. I have a spare uniform in my locker! You can wear it for now while I get yours cleaned.”
The girl shook her head, her smile softening into something impossibly warm. “It’s fine” You should head to your class-you’re running late, aren’t you?”
Vanessa blinked, suddenly realizing she had been staring blankly at the stranger’s face for far too long.
“A-ah... right. I’m sorry again!”
Vanessa opened her mouth to ask the question burning in her mind-“What’s your name?“-but before the words could come out, the tall girl gave a polite nod and she walk right past her, continuing her descent down the grand staircase.
Vanessa turned around, watching the girl figure disappear around the corner. Her name was never spoken, but as she walked away, a sophisticated, pleasant fragrance lingered in her wake-the distinctive scent of Creed Aventus resting quietly in the air.
She had spent years in this school, yet she was certain she had never seen this face before.
