Chapter 7: Buffy’s Pov

Buffy Summers leaned against the wall outside Sunnydale High, her mind preoccupied with the usual worries. The Hellmouth, demons, homework—it was a lot for one Slayer to handle. She sighed, scanning the students milling about. It was a routine part of her day, keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

That's when she saw him.

A new guy, standing at the entrance, looking slightly lost. He was tall, with dark hair and a worn leather jacket that gave him an air of quiet confidence. Something about him seemed different, and it wasn't just because he was new. There was an intensity in his eyes that made her pause.

Xander's voice broke her train of thought. "Hey, Buff, who's the new kid?"

Buffy shrugged, not taking her eyes off the stranger. "I don't know. Looks a little too cool for school, though."

Willow joined them, following Buffy's gaze. "He definitely gives off a mysterious vibe"

Buffy watched as the new guy made his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the students with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. It was like he was looking for something—or someone. She felt a slight shiver run down her spine. Her Slayer instincts were tingling, telling her there was more to this guy than met the eye.

The first encounter happened quickly. Xander, never one to shy away from a potential new friend, approached him with his usual enthusiasm. "Hey, new guy! You lost?"

The stranger smiled, a small, almost cautious smile. "Just looking for the high school. First day and all."

Buffy took a step closer, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "Welcome to Sunnydale. Just stay out of trouble, and you'll be fine."

He nodded, giving her a respectful nod before heading into the school. Buffy couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he wasn't telling them. She glanced at Willow and Xander. "Keep an eye on him."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes and patrols, but Buffy's thoughts kept drifting back to the new guy. Cyrus Knight—that was his name. She learned it from Principal Snyder's ever-annoying announcements. There was something about him that made her uneasy, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Later that evening, at The Bronze, she saw him again. This time, he was sitting alone, nursing a soda and watching the crowd with an intensity that made her skin prickle. Buffy nudged Willow, pointing him out. "There he is again. Cyrus Knight."

Willow looked over, her brow furrowing. "He seems... different. Should we talk to him?"

Buffy nodded. "Yeah, let's see what his deal is."

They approached him, and he looked up, his expression unreadable. Buffy couldn't help but notice the way his eyes seemed to take in everything, like he was assessing the situation.

"Hey, Cyrus, right?" Buffy said, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah, Buffy, right?" he replied, his tone polite but guarded.

"So, what brings you to Sunnydale?" Willow asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Cyrus gave a noncommittal shrug. "Just needed a fresh start. Heard this place was... interesting."

"You have no idea," Xander said with a laugh, though there was an edge to it.

Buffy studied Cyrus, trying to get a read on him. "Well, welcome to Sunnydale. Just remember, it's not always as peaceful as it seems."

"I'll keep that in mind," Cyrus replied, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

The encounter left Buffy with more questions than answers. Who was Cyrus Knight, really? And what was he hiding? Her Slayer instincts told her to be cautious, but there was also a part of her that was intrigued. She would keep an eye on him, that much was certain.

As she left The Bronze that night, Buffy couldn't shake the feeling that Cyrus Knight was going to be more than just another new student. He was a mystery, one she intended to solve. And in Sunnydale, mysteries often led to danger. She just hoped this one wouldn't lead to something they couldn't handle