"Let us take this from the start again," Ava said, her voice light but carrying a hint of insistence as she leaned closer to him, tilting her head slightly to catch his eyes.
The hallway was still buzzing from practicestudents passing by in clusters, unaware that if they just walk to the corner of the boy's changing room they would see the scene of Ava and Matthew only those walking straight could see them but with luck no one was in the pathway.
"I didn't know you could dance," she continued, her eyes bright, lips curling into a teasing smile. "I'm so jealous I wasn't there. Why didn't you tell me you've got some moves?"
Matthew didn't answer immediately.
He slipped one hand into his pocket, shoulders relaxed, gaze drifting past her like she wasn't even the focus. Then, slowly, his eyes returned to her, calm… indifferent.
"Is there a need?" he said flatly. "Isn't your friend—what's her name again…"
He paused deliberately, brows knitting slightly as if trying to remember.
"I've forgotten. But I'm pretty sure she'd be a good spy for you, wouldn't she? Telling you everything."
He clicked his tongue softly, the sound sharp in contrast to his otherwise lazy demeanor.
Ava blinked once—then huffed, rolling her eyes as her lips curved into a playful smirk.
"Attitude much?" she muttered, nudging his arm lightly with her elbow. "Such a diva you are, Matthew."
She leaned in again, closer this time, lowering her voice just a little like she was sharing something personal.
"I want to hear how your day went from your mouth, baby…" she sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her chest as if wounded. "Why are you working against heaven's plan?"
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she gestured between them.
"We're meant to be together. We even have the perfect height—you're 6'1, and I'm 5'5. This is what you call lover height."
She nodded to herself like she'd just made a very logical conclusion.
"So," she continued, suddenly brightening, her movements becoming more animated, "to celebrate it, I made something."
She swung her bag around, unzipping it quickly.
"I joined the cooking club today," she said proudly, lifting her chin slightly. "I made the first dish in my life, and I want you to taste it."
She pulled out a food container, holding it carefully like it was something precious, then popped it open with a small flourish and presented it to him with both hands.
"Aren't I romantic?"
Matthew's gaze dropped to the container.
Then back to her.
Then to the container again.
Then back to her.
His expression didn't change much—but one eyebrow slowly lifted.
"You sure your cooking teacher approved this?" he asked, his tone calm, but the faintest trace of skepticism slipped through.
Ava straightened immediately, nodding without hesitation.
"Of course she did," she said confidently.
"She was even happy and clapped for me."
Flashback — Cooking Club
The kitchen looked like a battlefield.
Smoke filled the air so thick it stung the eyes, curling up toward the ceiling in uneven waves.
The fire alarm had long since lost its dignity, blaring so many times that someone had finally disabled it out of desperation.
Students stood frozen around the room, barely daring to breathe.
One girl slowly edged toward the door
"Try it," Ava's voice rang out without her even turning. "And I'll break your leg."
The girl froze instantly.
Silence.
Tense. Suffocating.
This was Ava's fiftieth attempt.
Fifty.
Pots were scattered everywhere, some burnt black, others suspiciously bubbling.
Ingredients that once had hope now looked like disasters waiting to happen—this was the forty-eighth "almost success."
In the corner, Jand and Jordan had already escaped, peeking through the small glass window on the door, watching like it was some kind of live drama.
"Is she still going?" Jand whispered.
Jordan nodded slowly. "I think she's evolving."
Back inside—
Ava stood in front of the stove, eyes narrowed, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly messy from the chaos.
There was a smudge of flour on her cheek, but her focus was absolute.
"Again," she muttered under her breath.
The noodles sizzled.
For a moment—nothing went wrong.
No smoke.
No sparks.
No explosions.
The room held its breath.
Then—
Ava plated it.
Perfect.
She stared at it.
The students stared at it.
The teacher stared at it.
A beat of silence passed—
Then the teacher's knees almost gave out.
She grabbed the counter for support, eyes watering as she looked at the dish like it was a miracle.
"You… you did it…" she whispered, her voice trembling but for real even if the food looks unedible but at least it looked like a food not like it was alife like the rest she made before the teacher thought.
Then she started clapping.
Actually clapping.
Tears gathering in her eyes the student joined too anything or end this torture even if it means lying to their soul .
End of flashback.
Ava's smile didn't waver as she held the container up.
How it was made doesn't matter, she thought calmly. What matters… is how it tastes.
"You sure you made this with love and not with the intention to kill me?" Matthew said, folding his arms loosely across his chest, one brow raised as his gaze flicked from the food back to her.
Ava's eyes narrowed instantly.
"What is the meaning of that?" she shot back, pouting as she glared at him—though there was no real bite behind it.
She lifted her hand and waved it in front of him. "Are you doubting me? I even cut my hand and injured myself to make this. Watch the attitude."
There was a faint redness along her finger, very noticeable on her smooth palm which was a contrast to her delicate Palm skin.
Matthew's lips pressed together for a second.
Then he went quiet.
Ava didn't wait.
She quickly scooped up some noodles, stepping closer and lifting the spoon toward his mouth.
"Open."
Matthew didn't.
His lips stayed firmly shut, his expression calm, almost stubborn.
Ava frowned, her brows drawing together as she leaned in a little more, clearly about to force it—
But before she could—
His hand moved.
He grabbed her waist.
In one smooth motion, he spun her around.
Ava let out a small sound of surprise as her back collided lightly with his chest, her body going still for a split second.
His arm wrapped around her waist, holding her in place, firm but not rough.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the spoon.
Matthew's other hand reached out, taking it from her grip without effort.
The hallway noise dimmed around them—people slowed, some openly staring now, whispers rising again.
He lifted the spoon.
Ava's breath caught, her body softening almost unconsciously in his hold.
Then
He leaned down and kissed her.
It wasn't rushed.
It wasn't gentle either.
Just enough to make her freeze
Then melt.
Ava tilted her head back slightly, instinctively giving him more access, her fingers loosening, her posture relaxing completely against him.
For a brief moment, everything else faded.
Then
He stopped.
Just like that.
Pulled back.
Before she could even process it—
He shoved the spoonful of noodles into her mouth.
Ava's eyes snapped open.
Wide.
She tried to turn, to push him away—but his hand came up immediately, pinching her lips shut.
"Mm—!"
He held her steady, calm as ever, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
"Swallow," he said, nodding slightly, like he was giving a simple instruction.
Ava glared at him, her eyes practically shouting murder, but with her lips sealed and his grip firm, she had no choice.
She rolled her eyes dramatically
Then started chewing.
Matthew watched.
Closely.
And then—
His lips twitched.
Amusement flickered in his eyes.
Because Ava's expression
Changed.
First confusion.
Then doubt.
Then regret.
Her brows furrowed, her eyes squeezed slightly, her shoulders stiffening as if her soul was trying to leave her body mid-chew.
"Take your time," Matthew said lazily, his tone calm but laced with clear amusement.
"You made this food with love, so you should have the first bite."he whisper his voice filled with laughter
Ava shot him a glare, still chewing like she was fighting for her life.
"Come on," he added, tilting his head slightly. "Swallow it. Be a good girl for me, Ava."
Her eyes widened at that—
And she hit his chest weakly in protest.
He didn't move.
Instead, he casually pinched her nose.
Ava froze.
Her eyes widened even more.
Her hits became more frantic—
Then—
She swallowed.
Immediately, he let go.
Ava staggered back a step, coughing, her hand flying to her throat as if she had just swallowed poison.
She gagged, her face twisting in pure betrayal.
Matthew chuckled softly under his breath, watching her reaction with open satisfaction.
"Are you choking?" he asked, voice smooth with sarcasm. "How come you cooked the food with so much love? Maybe the love is too much—that's why you're choking."
Ava shot him a deadly look, still recovering, her chest rising and falling as she forced herself to calm down.
She took a deep breath.
Another.
"Too much love," she muttered stiffly. "Don't eat it for now."
Even she could taste how wrong it was.
Matthew scoffed lightly, about to say something
Then his gaze shifted.
Jake.
Walking toward them.
Matthew's expression smoothed out instantly.
Calm. Unreadable.
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Just like that.
Ava frowned slightly, about to call after him
But before she could
Jake reached her.
And casually took the plate from her hands.
"Wow," he said, inspecting it with interest.
"You bought food and didn't want to share with me?"
He picked up the fork, already taking a bite.
"Which restaurant did you buy it from? Their taste in designing and arranging food needs to be tested—"
He chewed.
Paused.
His face changed.
Completely.
Jake gagged.
Violently.
Ava's expression darkened instantly.
Without hesitation, she kicked him in the waist.
Jake dropped to the ground, coughing, nearly dying as he clutched his stomach.
"Did I send you to eat it?!" Ava snapped, her frustration exploding as she glared down at him. "And what bad taste? I'm the one who cooked it!"
She crossed her arms, lifting her chin defensively.
"My food taste must be wrong—seasoning! And the teacher who can't teach and so don't criticize me."
She pointed at him sharply.
"Only Matthew has the right to!"
Jake, however, wasn't listening anymore.
His brain had stopped at one sentence.
She cooked it.
His soul almost left his body.
Wait—what?
He stared at the food like it was a weapon of mass destruction.
Who doesn't know Ava is a kitchen and food killer?!
His mind raced.
Damn it… I should've known. The way it looked—it was a red flag! But how would I know it was her?!
He looked at the container again.
It looked like it came from a restaurant! Who would think Ava cooked this?!
Damn his luck…
"Ugh—" he gagged again weakly.
Ava clicked her tongue.
"Oh, grow a spine," she said coldly. "Stop acting like you'll die."
She grabbed both his wrists and started dragging him across the ground like dead weight.
Jake didn't even resist—just let himself be dragged, too busy suffering.
As they passed a dustbin, Ava didn't hesitate.
She tossed the food and container in without a second glance.
Then she stopped, looking down at Jake, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
"And don't you dare tell anyone how my food tastes," she added.
A beat.
"Get it?"
Jake nodded weakly from the ground.
Too traumatized to speak as Ava continued to drag him away students stared some even though Jake was dead.
Matthew entered the classroom quietly.
The usual noise hadn't fully built up yet—only a few students were scattered around, some flipping through notes, others talking in low voices.
.
A couple of heads lifted the moment he walked in, conversations dipping slightly before picking back up in hushed tones.
He didn't react.
He walked straight to his seat, pulled out the chair, and sat down with an easy, practiced motion.
Barely a second passed before two girls approached his desk, clutching their notebooks a little too tightly.
"Matthew… can you explain this question?"
"And this one too…"
Their voices overlapped slightly, hopeful.
Matthew glanced at the pages, then nodded once.
"Sit."
They did immediately, pulling chairs closer without hesitation.
As he explained, his voice stayed calm and even, his finger tracing lightly along the lines of the question.
He didn't rush, didn't drag—just steady, clear.
The girls leaned in closer than necessary, nodding along, occasionally stealing glances at his face instead of the work.
Around them, a few other students watched with quiet interest.
Right on time
Felix and Philip walked in.
Felix slowed as soon as he spotted the scene, his brows lifting slightly, a grin already forming.
"Well, well…"
They made their way over just as the girls stood up, thanking Matthew a little too brightly before leaving, their giggles trailing behind them.
Felix dropped into the seat beside Matthew, leaning forward with interest.
"Such fame," he said, shaking his head in mock admiration. "You really are close to the girls. Teach me your ways."
Philip, meanwhile, dragged a chair from the front, turning both it and the small desk to face Matthew directly before sitting down, resting his arms over the backrest.
Matthew didn't even look up from his book.
"First, read your book," he said dryly.
Felix clicked his tongue, slouching back in his seat, one arm hanging loosely over the side.
"I'll skip that. Too much studying is not good for me—especially with all this practice and stuff." He stretched slightly, groaning. "I can't feel my bones."
Matthew rolled his eyes faintly.
Philip leaned forward suddenly, his eyes lighting up with a different idea.
"Watch your dance video," he said, inching closer. "Why don't you take photos for me so I can sell?"
Matthew didn't even hesitate.
He lifted his hand and pushed Philip's face back—firmly.
Philip leaned back with a soft "tsk," rubbing his cheek like he'd been wronged.
Matthew finally glanced at him.
"I thought you were chasing your crush. Any luck?"
Philip's lips twitched.
A dangerous question.
Felix froze for a second
Then nearly fell off his chair laughing.
"HAHA— you just touched a sore point!" he said, clutching his stomach. "You know Luna gave Olivia's number to Philip, and yet this dude still messed up and got blocked!"
Philip's expression darkened instantly.
"Olivia texted that he was boring—then blocked him!" Felix added, laughing even harder.
Philip kicked Felix's chair sharply.
"Don't you love gossiping, idiot?" he snapped, irritation clear in his voice.
Felix barely dodged, still laughing.
Matthew, however, rested his head against his palm, watching Philip with mild curiosity.
"Did you ask her to go on a 'physic date' with you?"
Philip rolled his eyes, not denying it.
That was answer enough.
Matthew let out a quiet chuckle, flipping a page in his notebook.
Felix slapped his desk lightly.
"See? Even Matthew knew you messed up! And you even had Big V the legend to mentor you—yet you still failed to woo a girl." He shook his head dramatically. "Terrible, Philip. Terrible."
Philip shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel.
Then, clearly done with the topic, he shifted his gaze.
"What happened to your lip?" he asked suddenly.
Matthew paused.
His fingers lifted unconsciously, brushing lightly against his lower lip.
For a split second—
His eyes flickered.
Then he smiled.
Lazy.
Faint.
"Got bitten by a crazy thing."
A brief silence fell.
Felix blinked.
Philip blinked.
Then both of them slowly turned to look at each other.
Before snapping back to him.
"Who kissed you?" Felix blurted out.
"Is it Ava?" Philip added at the same time.
Matthew didn't answer.
That pause alone was loud enough.
Felix leaned forward immediately, eyes lighting up.
"Ava kissed you? Damn—she's taking charge." He clasped his hands to his cheeks dramatically. "Wow, I love me a dominant partner."
Philip, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes slightly, studying Matthew.
"Hm. You're having feelings for her."
Matthew tapped his book lightly.
"Study," he said calmly.
Like nothing had happened.
Philip smirked, clearly not letting it go.
"The others aren't here yet," he said, glancing around briefly. "And anyway, it's just the three of us. What are you being shy about?"
He leaned forward a little more.
"Even if you don't like her yet… you're interested."
Matthew didn't respond.
Philip continued, shrugging.
"You should be lucky. A girl is chasing you so crazily—unlike me." He sighed dramatically.
"Some guys die of thirst, others drown."
He paused, then added with a slight tilt of his head—
"Even though Ava is… well, unique in her own way."
Matthew's lips twitched slightly, like he knew exactly what Philip wanted to say but chose not to.
Felix snorted quietly.
Philip went on, softer this time
"Why not accept? Who knows… you might like her later on."