Maybe you're not that much of an idiot after all

Aria walked to the grounds behind the castle. It was the perfect spot, it was neither too secluded, as some students kept passing through, going somewhere or just taking a walk. But it was empty enough that there wasn't any chance of them being overheard.

Aria turned around and crossed her arms, she began, "I wanted to talk to you about..."

But Stephen interupted her, "Can I just say that I'm really honoured to be able to talk to you. And must apologise, I didn't know there was such a beautiful lady at the academy, otherwise I would have introduced myself. Did you come this year too?"

Aria listened patiently and then said, "Please save it. I know of your reputation. And I must ask you not to live in the delusion that I wanted to introduce myself or get to know you."

Stephen suppressed a smile, "Of course, you are shy. Continue."

Aria rolled her eyes and said, "I wanted to tell you to leave Harper alone."

Stephen frowned upon hearing that, "Harper? What has she got to do with anything?"

Aria: "She has got to do with everything. She told me that you have been chasing her for the past few days and asked me to tell you to back off, because you won't listen to her."

Stephen's face turned serious as he said, "You understand what she did, don't you? She threw you under the carriage."

Aria's eyes narrowed upon hearing this, "Seems like you are not that much of an idiot after all."

It was clear as day why Harper had asked her. It had less to do with her having no one to turn to and more with Aria's beauty.

Harper knew that once Stephen set eyes on Aria, he would probably forget about Harper and most other girls.

Stephen ran his hands through his hair as he looked at Aria up and down, "Yeah. But you agreed even after knowing my reputation and Harper's intentions? Seems like you are an idiot."

Aria shrugged upon hearing this, "You would have come to know me anyway. I'll bet you have already heard of me. And people will be pointing me out to the new students the whole day."

Stephen's eyes widened upon hearing this, "Don't tell me!?!?!? You are that ARIA!!!!!!!!"

Aria gave a mocking smile, "See? Anyway, all I wanted to ask of you was to leave Harper alone. She has had to go through a lot because of you."

Stephen looked at the ground and said in a small voice, "I never wanted any of that for her. She is a nice person."

Aria: "Maybe you didn't want that. But your actions did result in disaster. So I suggest you leave her alone from now on."

Stephen: "But she'll be bullied even more then."

Aria lips curved into a little smile, "You seem like a good person. Don't worry about her. I'll take care of her."

Stephen looked up and his flirtatious smile was back, "I'll leave Harper alone, but tell me first. Why are you doing all this for her?"

Aria's face turned stern, "That's my business."

Stephen raised his hands in defeat, "Okay, okay. But I won't do anything for free."