As the class started, Rose slid into the empty seat in front of Ruby, catching Benjamin's attention. However, Tiger's mind was elsewhere, his frustration evident on his face. Rose noticed his distress but chose not to intervene.
After two hours of grueling mathematics, Benjamin's head was spinning. As the teacher left, he slumped forward, exhausted.
Tiger raised an eyebrow. "Can't your head handle some simple math?" he said, looking down at Benjamin.
Benjamin shot back, "Says the moron who wasn't even paying attention."
Just then, Rose approached Benjamin. "Hey, do you have a minute?" she asked, glancing at Tiger.
Benjamin stood up, and Rose grabbed his hand, pulling him out of the class. "Come show me around the school," she said with a smile.
As they left, Tiger gazed out the window, his expression unreadable. Ruby turned to him, stacking her books. "How do you plan to pass if you're not paying attention in class?"
Tiger didn't respond, his gaze still fixed outside. Ruby's voice took on a slightly sarcastic tone. "You really are stupid, aren't you?"
Tiger stood up, his eyes finally meeting Ruby's. "That's rich coming from someone living a double life," he said, his words hitting Ruby like a dagger.
As he walked away, Ruby's expression darkened. Tiger paused beside her. "Oh, and just so you know... I won't tell anyone."
Meanwhile, Rose walked arm-in-arm with Benjamin, her smile faltering when he pushed her away. "Stop pretending, I know what you're doing, and I want no part of it," Benjamin said, his eyes flashing with anger.
Rose's face fell, but she quickly regained her composure. "What do you mean?" she asked, playing with her hair.
"If you want to play games, keep it up. But if you try something foolish with me, you'll regret it," Benjamin warned, walking ahead.
Rose's eyes narrowed, and she pulled out a small knife, charging at Benjamin. However, Benjamin's sharp gaze stopped her in her tracks.
"It will be your last step if you take another one," Benjamin said, his voice calm and clear.
Rose dropped the knife, her hands shaking. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I was afraid I'd lose him," she admitted.
Benjamin's expression softened slightly. "If you like him, show it. Don't be obsessive. He's not a toy, and he's not yours to begin with."
As they headed back to class, Rose asked, "When did you know I liked him?"
"Like is an understatement. You're obsessed. I wasn't sure until now," Benjamin replied without breaking his stride.