ACESO 🐽

 Prologue 

Rosalyn was transferred to Springdale High School, where her best friend and cousin, Irene, and her boyfriend, Oliver, were already students. Since their dads were siblings, Rosalyn and Irene had grown up together, despite Rosalyn's dad passing away five years ago. After the loss, Rosalyn mom had taken a job in another state, but recently, she got promoted, requiring her to travel frequently. As a result, Rosalyn moved in with Irene's family.

Rosalyn was thrilled to join Irene and Oliver at school, as they had been friends since childhood. Rosalyn and Oliver had started dating last year, and she was excited to spend more time with him. Rosalyn's personality was a perfect blend of softness, energy, and optimism. In contrast, Irene was a cool, confident, and beautiful girl who loved makeup. Oliver, being tall, handsome, and excellent in both sports and academics, was the ideal boyfriend.

However, on her first day at Springdale High, Rosalyn discovered that she was in Section A, while Irene and Oliver were in Section B. Her new friends warned her that the two sections were extremely competitive, with Section B usually excelling academically. When Rosalyn revealed that Oliver was her boyfriend, her friends were excited, saying he was very popular.

However, there was a catch: the boys from Section A and Section B were sworn enemies, always at odds with each other. The reason Section B students considered themselves "Superb" and looked down on Section A students, labeling them "Stirrers," was largely due to Hugo and his friends. They were known for being stubborn and never paying attention in class, which led to their reputation as troublemakers.

Rosalyn's friends warned her about the tension between the two sections, and how it often spilled over into conflicts. They also told her that Hugo, a handsome but stubborn boy from Section A, was feared by many, especially the girls. He had a reputation for being uninterested in girls and was often intimidating.

The rivalry between the "Superb" and "Stirrer" was notorious, with frequent clashes between the two groups. Rosalyn wondered what the year had in store for her, now that she was a part of this competitive and complicated world.

                 

                    Chapter 1: The New Sky

                          

         "Under this new sky, even familiar 

               faces cast different shadows"

Rosalyn POV:

"(Phone rings: Mom's voice) 

'Wake up, honey! Help Auntie with the chores and get ready - it's your first day!'

(I didn't even get to say hello...)

'I know you wouldn't wake up otherwise,' Mom continues. 

'If you need anything, tell Uncle, okay? Be a sweet girl and help Auntie with the housework - don't be a burden to them.'

'I know, Mom... I've got it,' I reply. 

'I'm going to wash up. Bye... love you!'

(Irene stirs beside me in bed, voice sleepy)

'Why are you so loud?'

'I said, wake up - it's late!' I tease, nudging her.

(Auntie's calls from downstairs)

"At breakfast, Uncle reminded us to be good girls and focus on academics. 

After finishing, Uncle drove us to school. 

As we stepped out of the car at the school gate, Oliver was waiting for us - I waved excitedly and rushed to his side.

Oliver's face fell into a disappointed smile:

'Why didn't you reply to my texts?'

'I didn't check my phone,' I explained, 'we woke up super late!'

He teased:

'You two love sleeping in!'

Irene rolled her eyes good-naturedly:

'Hey, no morning flirting in front of me!'

Oliver chuckled and wrapped his arm around my waist briefly before teasing Irene:

'Jealous?'

But Irene's next words made my heart sink:

'Rosa, Oliver - we're in Section B... but you're in Section A.'

My eyes welled up with tears as I looked at my cousin and Oliver - my best friends.

Oliver immediately dropped his playful tone and said softly:

'You're gonna be fine, come on...'

But I just nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat, and walked towards my class- alone."

"I walked inside and slid into an empty seat at the back of the classroom, still feeling a bit down about being separated from Irene and Oliver.

A gentle voice broke the silence:

'Is this seat empty, can I sit?'

I nodded slightly, still adjusting to my new surroundings.

'Hi, I'm Lia... what about you?' she asked with a warm smile.

'I'm Rosalyn, called me Rosy,' I replied softly, returning her smile.

Lia sat down beside me and began rummaging through her bag for notebooks and pens.

'So, Rosy, are you new here? I've never seen you around,' she asked curiously.

I nodded again, feeling a bit more at ease with Lia's friendly demeanor.

"Ohhh, then you don’t know about our school yet."  

Two other girls walk over, eyeing me curiously. 

"Hey, Lia. No one sits here, right?"(She points to the desk in front of us.)  

"Yeah. And hey, this is the new student—Rosy."(Lia introduce ) 

"Hi, Rosy! I’m Emily, and this is Jessie."*

"Hi" Jessie "Don’t feel uncomfortable. You’re gonna love this school. There are so many hot guys here. (She winks as i smile awkwardly)

The teacher strode in and turning his face towards us "Hello everyone, I'm Mr. Dawnson , your homeroom teacher for the year" he said he voice firm but not unkind " This is your senior year, which means less nonsense and more focus. Study hard and stay out of trouble , and let's make this a smooth year, understood? "

Loud voices from the door interrupt.I turn to see a group of boys lounging in the doorway.  

"Can we come in, sir?" one of them asked.  

The teacher shot them a tired look and sighed. "You guys again? Fine, get inside—just don’t let it happen next time. And remember, I’m your homeroom teacher now, so behave. You’re all on my radar." With that, he walked out.  

I leaned toward Lia and muttered, "Who are those guys?"

"The usual troublemakers," she replied. 

"Jonathan, Raymond, Louis, Erik, and the tall one? That’s Hugo."  

The names stuck , but I still couldn't tell who was who- except Hugo. You could just tell he was the one calling the shots. 

"Okay, be honest—do you think they’re hot?" Lia whispered, fanning herself dramatically. "I mean, obviously Hugo. But don’t even bother. That guy’s basically Fort Knox—no one gets in.Total heartbreaker material—but he might as well be made of ice"

"Whatttt?" I asked.  

Lia leaned in, eyes glittering with scandal. "Last semester, some girl wrote him this huge love letter. He made her embarassed and said that I don't have time for delusional side quests."

"He’s quite attractive, but my boyfriend is more handsome," I said, shrugging.  

Emily and Jessi suddenly appeared, leaning in with wide eyes. "You have a boyfriend?!" Jessi squealed, gripping my arm. "Does he go to our school?"  

 

"Yeah, he’s in Section B," I replied, smiling.  

"What’s his name?" Jessi demanded, bouncing on her toes. "I know all the guys here—spill!" 

"You might know him. He’s athletic, good at academics… his name’s Oliver."

Emily gasped, clutching her chest. "OLIVER from B?! Oh my god, I’m so jealous! Half the girls in our grade have a crush on him!"

I laughed awkwardly, tucking my hair behind my ear.  

Lia, leaned and say. "Hey, you know Oliver and Hugo hate each other, right? That’s probably why the teacher said, ‘You’re all on my radar’ earlier..... they have a major rivalry!.."

"What?!" I blurted out, confused.  

Jessica dragged her chair closer, eyes gleaming. "Oh, I live for this drama," she said, settled in, comfortable. "Okay, so—Section B’s the golden child of academics. Always first place, they even call themselves 'Superb' like it’s their royal title. Meanwhile, we're better at sports, but things got heated during a basketball game when some guys didn't play fair."

She lowered her voice. "Last year, some of their guys played dirty—elbows, shoves, the works. Hugo lost it and *punched* Jesper—Oliver’s best friend. Oliver jumped in, and boom! Full-on brawl. Ever since? They hate each other. Teachers have to separate them like rabid dogs. Suspensions? Oh, *plenty*."

"And now," Jessica added, rolling her eyes, "Section B girls call us ‘Stirrers’ because we ‘start drama.’ Please. We’re just competitive. But yeah, we always lose to them in exams."

I blinked, trying to process it all.  

Emily suddenly gasped. "Wait, didn't Oliver and Irene used to be a couple?"

Lia nodded in agreement. I smiled and clarified, "Oh, Irene's my cousin and best friend. The three of us were friends." 

Jessica nodded, then shot me a warning look. "Just a heads-up: if Oliver and Hugo go at it again? Stay out of it." She winked, then sighed dreamily. "But *Louis*? Now he’s perfect." Her gaze drifted toward Hugo’s group—probably eyeing the brown-haired guy.  

*This school is insane,* I thought.

               Chapter 2: Shifting Winds

                      

               "Sometimes in the winds of

        change we find our true direction"

   

Rosalyn POV:

             

**One Week Later**  

A week had passed without incident . Lia, Emily, and Jessica had become my constant companions during school hours, while Irene and Oliver waited for me after class and we'd walk home together. I felt comfortable and happy with this new routine.

---  

After I wash up, I still have to wait for Irene—she’s doing her makeup. "Hurry, Irie! We're gonna be late. You take forever to finish!" (Irene loves makeup and is very skilled at it, unlike me, who doesn’t know much about it.)

"I'm finished! Let's—"

(I pull her arm before she finishes and drag her downstairs.)

"Aunt Liz, we’re late—no time for breakfast! Byeee!"

(Auntie says something, but I don’t catch it because I’m in such a hurry.)

Outside, Uncle is already waiting in the car.  

"You’re so late, ladies! I also need to work, you know."

"We’re sorry, Uncle! It’s Irene’s fault!"

(Uncle laughs.)

"She’s never in a hurry."

Irene huffed, smoothing her wrinkled skirt. "You’re such a maniac. Look what you did to my outfit!" She flipped down the visor mirror to fix her hair, scowling.  

By the time we screeched into the school driveway, I was practically vibrating with urgency. I hauled Irene out of the car, sprinting toward the gate like the building was on fire.  

"Don’t be so frantic! We’re already late anyway."

(I take a deep breath and slow down.)

Irene’s classroom was on the first floor, so she peeled off while I trudged upstairs, already out of breath by the time I reached the top. As I paused to steady myself, Hearing footsteps behind me, I turned to see Hugo approaching. Our eyes met briefly, and he walked toward our classroom. I followed behind him, wondering why of all people, it had to be him in this situation. 

Yet, I felt a slight sense of relief knowing I wasn't the only latecomer.

At the door, we hesitated. Then, in unison:  

"May I come in, sir?" 

The entire class swiveled to stare.  

Our teacher—*Mr. Voss*, a man who treated punctuality like a holy vow—slowly lowered his chalk. Hugo again? And with Rosalyn..." he muttered, his tone neutral but his eyes disapproving.  

Hugo was infamous for lateness, but *me*? I never missed the bell.  

"Are the two of you *together*?" Mr. Voss smirked, tapping his desk. "Is that why you can’t make it on time?" 

The class erupted into whispers. My face burned.  

I shot a glance at Hugo. His jaw tightened, eyes darkening like a storm rolling in. *Disgust* radiated off him—whether at the accusation or me, I couldn’t tell.  

"Sir, that’s not—"Lia tried to interject.  

"Save it," Mr. Voss snapped. "Then come in. And if you’re late again, detention won’t be the half of it." 

I walked to my seat, feeling a bit embarrassed.

As soon as I sat down, Lia leaned over, her voice a hushed whisper. "Why were you late? And why with Hugo of all people?"

"I overslept and had to finish my Geography homework,"I explained."As for Hugo, we just ran into each other in the hallway."

Lia smirked. "Oh right, I forgot—Hugo’s will never late for girls." 

Before I could respond, Emily twisted around in her seat."Rosy, let me copy your homework!" 

"Me too!" Jessica chimed in.  

Lia yawned, stretching her arms. "I didn’t do mine either, but I can’t be bothered to copy it now."

Jessica suddenly perked up. "Yoooo, guys! Afternoon’s sports time—let’s gooo!"

Emily turned to me, curious. "Rose, what sports are you good at?"

"I can play volleyball and badminton," I said with a smile.  

"Ohhh, we *have* to play volleyball then!" Lia grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Let’s crush those Section B ‘tender girls’!"

"It’s just a game," I laughed.  

"It’s not just a game," Lia insisted, eyes gleaming. "I know you and Irene are cousins, and I don’t say she’s bad. But those other girls? The ones caked in makeup who act like they own the school? They need to be taken down a peg."

We sat in the back, whispering and giggling, completely absorbed in our own conversation instead of paying attention to the teacher's lecture.

"If you're ready, let's crush those 'Superb' girls!" Jessica shouted, pumping her fist in the air.  

Lia pulled me onto the bench. "Rosy, sit still—I'm tying your hair up."Her fingers yanked my ponytail tight enough to make my eyes water.  

"Wow, Rosy!"Emily whistled, tossing me a jersey."You look killer in our colors. Some boys are gonna go wild."

"Yeah, you should wear your hair like this every day!"Jessie added, adjusting my collar. "It totally suits you." 

I laughed, feeling my cheeks warm. "Stop—you'll make me actually believe you."

When the match started, nervous energy buzzed through our team. But as the points stacked in our favor, Jessie jumped up, screaming: "YESSS! That's how we do it! Celebrate while we're winning!" 

Our team erupted in cheers and laughter 

"If this is how we play now," one girl said, wiping sweat from her brow, "imagine how intense school sports day will be!"

Come on!" Lia grabbed my arm, already dragging me toward the exit. "The 'Superb vs. Stirrer' basketball match is starting—we can't miss this drama!"

"Ooooh, Hugo already out of the game—but look! That’s his best friend Erik!" Emily squealed, gripping my arm. "Tell me he’s not the hottest guy on the team!"

My gaze flicked to the bench where Hugo sat, sweat dripping down his temples, his usual icy demeanor softened by exhaustion. He actually looks manly than usual.

Before I could respond, Lia elbowed me. "Hey, focus—your man’s up next! Oliver’s about to enter, and damn, he’s fine."

I turned just as Oliver jogged onto the court. He caught my eye immediately, flashing that easy grin of his before waving.  

"EHHHHH!"My friends erupted, shoving me playfully.  

"Oliver’s so sweet," Lia sighed, fanning herself dramatically.

I smiled, feeling grateful to have Oliver as my boyfriend. It was clear my friends admired him, and I felt lucky to have him by my side.

___

"WHATTTTT?!" The entire crowd erupted as a Section B player shoved Erik to the ground just before the final buzzer. The game ended in chaos, whistles blaring.  

Lia crossed her arms, fuming. "They’ll never let this go. Jake and Erik? Again? This rivalry’s getting pathetic."

Before I could respond, Irene plopped down beside me, slightly out of breath. "There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere." My friends greeted her warmly, but she waved them off. "We can heading home—but I’ve got an errand first. Oliver’s waiting, so go with him."

I sighed, saying quick goodbyes to my squad. 

 

Irene nudged me. "Wait for him here. And don’t worry—I won’t be late"

"But what excuse should I give?" I asked, knowing I wasn't good at coming up with convincing lies.

"Just tell her I'm at a friend's house," She grinned, already backing away. "Then improvise! See you at dinner!"With that, she vanished into the crowd, leaving me to face Oliver—and my impending bad excuses—alone.  

"ohhh you're waiting for me," Oliver called as he approached with three of his friends. I nodded, offering a small smile.  

"So, this is your girlfriend?"one of his friends teased, nudging Oliver. My cheeks burned, but before I could respond, a cold voice cut through from behind me.  

"We know that ‘sorry’ back then meant nothing. We’re ready anytime." 

I spun around. Hugo and his crew stood there, shoulders squared, eyes locked on Oliver.  

"Oh, we’re always open," Oliver shot back, flashing a devilish grin. My throat tightened as I glanced between them—*they’re all so tall. So angry.*  

"Oliver, no—there’s no need," I pleaded, gripping his arm Please don’t fight.

Hugo’s gaze flicked to me, unimpressed. "Oh, you’re hiding behind girls now?" His tone dripped with disdain. I hate him.  

"Wait here," he murmured, squeezing my fingers once before letting go.  

Hugo smirked—at me—before turning to follow. They disappeared down the hallway, leaving me frozen in place, fists clenched. What do I do?

                                

                       Chapter 3 : Crossfire

                              

         "Fighting may win battles, but only                        understanding wins wars"

Rosalyn POV:

The boys rush past me, their footsteps pounding the ground as I stand frozen—*I knew this would happen.* A few mutter under their breaths, but their words are lost in the chaos.  

"Rosie, why are you just standing there?"Lia’s voice cuts through the noise as she grabs my wrist, pulling me toward the hostel grounds. We disappear into the crowd just as Oliver and Hugo’s fight erupts in full force.  

"Stop it!" I shout, but neither of them even flinches. My frustration boils over—why is no one stepping in?  

Then Oliver stumbles, hitting the ground hard. My body moves before my mind can catch up. I sprint toward him, dropping to my knees just as Hugo raises his fist.  

I squeeze my eyes shut, bracing for the impact—but it never comes.  

When I dare to look again, Hugo is breathing heavily, his chest heaving with rage. His sharp gaze locks onto mine, burning with fury.  

"Stupid girl, don’t involve yourself in boys' problems," Hugo snaps, his voice shaking with anger. The crowd around us erupts in murmurs, their whispers sharp against my skin.  

Oliver exhaled sharply, his jaw tight. "You should go."The dismissal stung—why direct his frustration at me?. My stomach tightens—why is he mad at me? Had I misstepped? I was just trying to help.  

Before I can respond, a sharp voice cuts through the noise.  

"You two—fighting again?" Mr. Wilson, our sports teacher, strides forward, his expression stern. The crowd instantly quiets. "Oliver, Hugo—both of you, and your usual companions, to the staff room immediately."

Hugo kicks the nearest dustbin with a loud *clang*, sending it crashing to the ground. As the boys reluctantly trail after Mr. Wilson, Oliver shoots me one last look—something between frustration and something else I can’t read.  

"I’ll wait for you," I mutter under my breath, though I’m still seething. Why won’t he ever listen to me?  

Around me, my friends drifted toward the gates, their goodbyes soft as fallen petals. Yet as I stood still, the whispers took shape:  

"Who does she think she is?"

"I wanted to see who’d win!"

"They say she’s Oliver’s girlfriend…"

"How could he like her? Weird."

"She’s new, right? So stupid."  

A breeze carried their words past me, each one a needle-thin prick. I straightened my shoulders, gaze fixed on the empty path where the boys had gone. Let them talk. I wasn’t the one who’d walked away.  

My mind flashed back to what happened just minutes ago—Hugo’s raised fist, the way his whole body shook with barely controlled anger. A shiver ran through me. If he hadn’t held back… I swallowed hard, my pulse still unsteady.

After what felt like forever, the staff room door finally creaked open. Oliver stepped out, his expression tired but softer now. "Why didn’t you wait in the classroom instead of standing out here alone?"His voice was quieter than before, almost gentle.  

I opened my mouth to snap back, but the sight of the fresh cut on his cheekbone stole my words. My fingers hovered near his face."Does it hurt badly?"

He shook his head, but the way he winced when I brushed the edge of the wound told another story.  

"Bro, if I had a girlfriend who worried about me like that, I’d pick fights every day," one of his friends joked, nudging Oliver’s shoulder.  

Before I could respond, Hugo’s sharp voice cut through the laughter. "We’re not done yet."

Oliver didn’t flinch. "We’ll finish this another day."

Hugo’s lips curled into a devilish smile. Then his cold eyes flicked to me. "And tell that stupid girl not to interfere next time." 

*Stupid.* The word burned. Why did he keep calling me that? What exactly had I done wrong? My nails dug into my palms as I glared at his retreating back, wishing looks could strike like lightning. 

"Let's head home," I said. 

He had brought his bike today, so we rode together. I warned him not to speed as we approached the gate, just as Hugo zoomed past us quickly. 

Once we arrived home, I said: "No more fights, Ollie. Your mom worries enough already. And don’t listen to Hugo’s—"

Oliver chuckled slightly. 

" Don’t laugh." I reached for his bruised cheek, but he leaned back. "Look at your face! Just promise me you won’t—"

" I can’t promise that." His voice turned flat " If we fight again, don't wait for me." 

I stared at him, my throat tight. *"Get inside,"* he said, nodding toward my house.  

" You yelled at me today,"I whispered. "After everything, you’re still—"

"Rosalyn. Go."

 

My anger boiled over. "Don't ever contact me again," I snapped, turning away and storming inside without looking back.

The moment I stepped inside, Aunt Liz’s voice cut through the quiet."Roselyn! You’re so late. Irene’s already home." 

"I was waiting for Oliver," I muttered, repeating the excuse Irene had drilled into me earlier. Without another word, I trudged to my room, kicked off my shoes with more force than necessary, and collapsed onto the bed. Pulling the blanket over my head, I curled into myself—my usual ritual when anger simmered too hot under my skin.  

The blanket suddenly lifted. Irene stood over me, her hair damp from the shower, eyes sharp with concern."What happened?"

"Why are you home so early?" I countered, avoiding her question."I thought you two left together." 

A beat of silence. Then, softly "Did you two fight?"

I nodded and told her what happened 

"Hugo and Oliver have been itching to fight forever. I’m so sick of it" she say 

Irene plopped onto the edge of my bed, unfazed. "You two argue like feral cats. You’ll make up by tomorrow."

Aunt Liz’s voice cut through the hallway. "Girls! Dinner’s ready—now!"

After dinner, Irene went up to the room first while I stayed behind to play with Nathan before heading up later.  

"I told you to tell her—it’s so exhausting for me to keep it like this. If you don’t tell her, I’ll do it right now!" Irene was on the phone when she heard me enter. She flinched, and I smiled at her.  

"I’ll call you back," she said nervously, setting her phone down.  

"What was that about? Who were you talking to? Are you dating someone without telling me?" I joked, wrapping my arms around her neck in a playful hug.  

"Let me gooo, I can’t breathe!" she protested, laughing. I released her, still grinning.  

"If I had a boyfriend, you’d be the first to know," she assured me.  

Yeah, if she had a boyfriend, I’d definitely be the first to know. 

______

When I arrived at school, I could feel their eyes on me, heard their murmurs.  

"Hey, Roselyn, are you really dating Oliver?" A group of girls asked as soon as I walked into class. I nodded, and they immediately bombarded me with questions about him.  

I knew what some of them were saying behind my back—"How could he be dating someone like her?"—but I tried to ignore it.  

Lia knew too. "Don’t take it seriously," she said. "They’re just jealous." Then she lowered her voice. "But if it happens again, don’t get involved—especially if Hugo’s around. Though yesterday, he didn’t even seem like he wanted to punch you a little bit." 

She kept talking, but my attention snapped to the door—Hugo had just walked in. The murmurs started up again.   

As he walked to his seat, I stole a glance at him. He had a small wound on his face—nothing compared to Oliver’s—but before sitting down, his gaze flicked toward us.  

Our eyes met.  

His stare was cold and sharp, yet undeniably beautiful. For the first time, I saw him clearly—really saw him. I hadn’t noticed before, not like this.  

Then he slumped into his seat and lazily buried his head in his arms, asleep in seconds.