I Am Never Leaving

The day their paths crossed...

Sitting on the bench in the school garden, Seraphina indulged in a secret cigarette. The morning breeze caressed her face as the sun began its ascent. Always the early bird, she cherished these moments of solitude, embracing the fresh start the day offered.

"Well, looks like someone loves school more than I do," a voice chimed in. Unfazed, Seraphina remained seated, not bothering to turn around. "Nothing beats preparing for battle right outside the enemy's training camp. You can practically hear the whispers of their war strategies," she retorted.

The voice belonged to a new student, who sat down next to her, clutching his books with a beaming smile. "Fresh face on the scene. Name's Octavia," he introduced himself, gazing at the rising sun.

"School doors don't open for another two hours, you know," she remarked, finally casting a glance his way. Her expression was bored, her eyes devoid of excitement, as if she had grown tired of the monotonous routine. But amidst the repetition, there was always something new to be learned, adding a hint of intrigue.

"I just realized that. Must be first-day jitters," Octavia chuckled.

"Intriguing," she muttered, turning her gaze forward once more. "What brings you here so early?" Octavia inquired, his eyes fixed on her.

"Just here to wreak havoc," she replied matter-of-factly.

"What kind?"

"The kind that drives the principal insane and gets you expelled," she answered, taking one last drag from her cigarette before discarding it and rising to her feet, ready to depart.

"What's your name?" he called after her.

"You'll find out in less than three hours. Enjoy your gloomy first day," she teased, flashing him a mischievous sideways smile before leaving the garden. Octavia stood there, captivated by her presence. This was just the beginning of something extraordinary.

"Seraphina Elara Muller, please report to the principal's office immediately, wherever you may be," the announcement blared through the speakers. Octavia had just entered the classroom to introduce himself officially when the announcement interrupted. The girl he had encountered earlier rose from her seat, bored expression intact, and walked toward him. She stopped in front of him, flashed a sly smile, and then left the room. Octavia was frozen, enchanted by her smile. He now knew her name, but her smile intrigued him the most. Her apathetic demeanor held a certain allure, and her vacant eyes, though haunting, exuded an indescribable beauty.

"Um, Octavia, please introduce yourself," Mrs. Pete urged, snapping Octavia back to reality. "Oh, sorry, yes. I'm Octavia Jones," he managed, flashing the brightest smile he could muster.

Lunchtime arrived, and Seraphina sat by the canteen, boredom etched on her face, devoid of a lunch tray. "Why do you always look so bored?" Octavia asked, joining her.

"Why shouldn't I be bored? School's a snooze-fest, Octopus," Seraphina responded, her gaze meeting his.

"You make it boring, Phinny," Octavia retorted, settling across from her with his lunch tray. "Phinny?" she raised an eyebrow, slightly amused.

"Octopus?" he echoed, raising his own eyebrow.

"Isn't your name Octopus?" she questioned, challenging his playful nickname.

"Isn't yours Phinny?" he volleyed back.

She rolled her eyes, stood up abruptly, and walked out of the lunchroom. Octavia couldn't help but be captivated by her departure. She was a fascinating creature, and he couldn't wait to unravel the enigma that was Seraphina Muller.