Amara Luciano let out a yawn as she stepped out of the car. St. Clement Academy towered over her in white and gold.

Spring break was over that the students poured in. Amara began to walk to the main building, smiling at everyone who greeted her.

She was tempted to roll her eyes. It was Monday for fuck's sake. She barely had any energy to smile.

Still, she kept it up.

Amara Luciano ruled high school with generosity and kindness. It would stay that way forever no matter how annoyed she usually was.

Her parents had once told her it was okay to complain. But it was just too much of a hassle for her. She didn't want to make things blow up if keeping quiet would solve everything. Picking fights without a reason was more her best friend's style.

Amara straightened her LV shoulder bag as she made her way to the cafeteria. She didn't have a class for her first period that she decided to have some tea. She marched to her usual table and saw an unfamiliar figure sitting with her friends.

They all wore the same green plaid skirt, white long-sleeved uniform, and black knee-length socks. They only differ in the way they roll their sleeves and the branded accessories that surround them.

"Hi, girls," she greeted. Amara eyed the newcomer with a hint of scrutiny. She had pale blonde locks that framed her sharp features. Pretty and slim. "And you are?"

"I'm Natasha." She stood up and held out her palm. "You must be the princess Amara?"

Amara chuckled as she received her hand. "Drop the title, please."

The circular table was enough to accommodate them but Amara was still surprised at the changes. For six years, it had always been the three of them. And no one dares to sit in front of Amara but Primo.

Now, Natasha occupied that free spot.

"Oh, no! Don't do it!" Isla exclaimed as she ate her salad, pushing away the tomatoes.

Maine nodded along as she stacked her books. "Don't ever drop that title else Primo will come after you!"

"Don't be ridiculous." Amara turned to Natasha. "Don't believe them. They're teasing."

Isla snorted. Her brown curls bouncing as she made the action. "We're not! Everyone knows Primo doesn't lose, on anything. Challenge him if you want and let's bet on it!"

"He sounds intense and strangely awesome," Natasha commented as Maine giggled.

"He is!" Maine's small eyes almost disappeared in time with her fruity laughs.

Amara rolled her eyes. She didn't get where Primo's charm came from. She liked him, yes but his narcissistic side ruined him to her forever. Maybe it was the looks and how he carried himself. Primo did have that 'I'm the number one student' aura going on.

"Let's not talk about him," Amara said. She crossed her legs, eyeing the newcomer with interest. "Why did you transfer Natasha? It's almost the end of the year."

"Oh, that." Natasha tried to smile but her downcast look didn't disappear. "Things happened and my parents thought a change of scenery would be nice. You know, away from ballet."

"You dance?" Maine and Isla both gaped at her. They were both cheerleaders that the talk eventually turned to dance.

Amara stood up and decided to get her Hibiscus tea. It irritated her how easily Natasha and her friends had bonded. She oozed too much sweetness that it almost seemed suspicious.

'You mean she's the genuine version of you'

She clicked her tongue. Why was Primo's voice in her head?

Amara went back to their table with her teacup. The conversation had shifted to what Russia looked like in summer.

"And Amara plays the violin, right?" Natasha muttered with a smile.

Amara was astonished at the turn of the conversation but she managed to nod. "Yeah. You danced a lot to Tchaikovsky then?"

"Yes. Even if it's not a competition, they're all lovely pieces to dance to!"

"Woah, spoken like a true artist!" Maine added with a wink.

After that, the talk was all about music.

Amara Luciano didn't think she could enjoy conversing with anyone about music—especially classical music other than Primo. But Natasha was a good listener. She had a lot of interesting opinions to offer and she had fun dissecting it too.

She's like a girl version of Primo.

Of course, she wouldn't tell him that.

After that, Amara was in a much better mood for a Monday. She had a good feeling about this.

✘✘

Amara Luciano grabbed her books from her locker. She cursed, staggering at the weight of the books. Damn it. She forgot to return the books she had borrowed from the library.

"Steady, princess," he said, too close to her ear.

Amara shivered from his warm breath. She whirled around, ready to give him shit for it but Primo's appearance gave her a pause. She scanned his tall form, seeing him in a white sweatshirt and denim pants. "Did you just get here? Why aren't you in your uniform?"

Primo scoffed, running his fingers through his messy hair. "Come on. Only losers attend the first day back."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Except you, princess Amara!" He smiled at her, showing those dimples of his. Primo took her bag and books as they walked to the exit.

Amara crossed her arms. "Did you just come here to take me home then? You didn't have to do that."

"It's fine. I just woke up and I have nothing to do so I came to give you..." he trailed off as his free hand yanked something from his pocket. "This!"

A matryoshka doll.

Primo had given him the biggest doll when she turned eleven. And for every year after that, he didn't fail to give her one as a sign of their continuous friendship.

She studied the doll which was as long as her pointing finger. It had the same painting as the rest: gray eyes and dark hair. "What's this? Why are my eyes glinting? It looks like I'm planning to murder someone."

Primo greeted another student before he answered her. "Why not? It looks like you."

She frowned and put the doll in her bag. "Whatever. You're just too lazy to find me a real gift."

"Ama..." He placed a sturdy arm around her shoulders, crushing her to the crook of his neck. "Don't be fucking rude. Being sly is a fine trait."

"If you say so." She scrambled away from his hold, annoyed once again at her crumpled sleeves. "I have no intention of acknowledging that."

They reached the steps when someone called her name. Amara searched for the shrilly voice and found Natasha waving at her. She navigated the crowd of students, huffing as she got to them.

"Hey. Something wrong?" she asked.

Natasha stood straight, flicking the pale strands off her face. "Oh, no. I wanted to return this. Thanks for letting me borrow it earlier."

Amara smiled as she accepted the Shakespeare book. "You're welcome."

"Thanks again! See you tomorrow!" Natasha didn't wait for her reply as she jogged down the stairs.

Amara put the book in Primo's arm, glancing to see why he was so quiet. He used to tease her about other girls being her rival and all that. She tapped him on the shoulder. "What's wrong with you?"

"Who was that?" he asked, blue eyes glistening with urgency.

"Natasha? I just met her earlier."

"She's fucking beautiful."

Oh no.

✘✘