The rest of the week was just as tense and awkward. Up until the appearance of the new guys, no one had cared to spare me a second glance, and for the most part, that hadn't changed. The only difference was that now, every time I entered a classroom, I could sense their eyes on me, and it made me increasingly uncomfortable. Whenever I dared to lift my gaze from the floor, I'd lock eyes with one of them. Eventually, I just stopped looking up altogether. I felt like I was constantly being studied and observed, no matter how much I tried to blend with my surroundings.

While Christopher and Michael seemed to have integrated themselves effortlessly into the social fabric of Silverwood High, surrounded by friends and admirers, I felt more and more like an outsider, an observer of their newfound popularity. Everyone at school seemed to be gushing about them, even the teachers. Despite my best efforts, I often caught myself thinking about them too. At least I managed to keep myself from constantly staring at them like the rest of the school. With all the hostile glares they kept sending in my direction, I was determined not to give them the pleasure of catching me even casting a glance at theirs.

Christopher, with his raven-black hair that fell just above his piercing green eyes, exuded an air of brooding intensity that was impossible to ignore. He held himself with a certain aloofness as if he were above the trivialities of high school life. His sharp jawline, coupled with his perpetual scowl, lent him an air of mystery. The way his brows furrowed whenever he was focused on something made me wonder what it was this time that he was pissed at. Clad in black clothing, he looked like the embodiment of a bad boy.

On the other hand, Michael, the blond guy, radiated a warmth that contrasted sharply with Christopher's darkness. His sun-kissed hair seemed perpetually tousled, and his friendly, approachable demeanour drew people in effortlessly. His ocean-blue eyes held a glint of mischief, and his genuine smile sent ripples of cheer throughout the student body, especially through the girls. Unlike Christopher's brooding nature, Michael's presence seemed to light up any room he entered. No wonder people like him.

Margot informed me that they were cousins who excelled in academics and played on the hockey team. Though they had common interests, their personalities couldn't be more distinct. Michael's kindness and ease in social situations differed starkly from Christopher's seemingly constant irritation. Michael's friendly nature allowed him to strike up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path, while Christopher's allure came from his enigmatic aura, casting an almost magnetic pull around him. He's lucky to have the "pretty privilege". What an arrogant jerk. It baffled me how everybody seemed to rave about him just as much or even more so than they did about Michael.

After that first day, Margot became obsessed with them. She spent the whole week talking about them, stalking them on social media, and even sneaking into her father's office to get a hold of their school files. She went as far as actually approaching them one day, flashing her most charming smile, introducing herself as the daughter of the principal, of course. She came back beaming after her two-minute conversation with Michael. While Margot was becoming increasingly enamoured by them, I found it more and more difficult to relate to her excitement. She kept talking about their latest social media posts and speculated about their personal lives, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of annoyance towards the whole situation. Suddenly, it was as if there was nothing else for us to talk about.

As the days passed, I tried to focus on my studies and my own life, but it seemed like everywhere I turned, there they were - Christopher and Michael, the new golden boys of Silverwood High. Their popularity only seemed to grow, and after only a few days it felt like the entire school revolved around them. I felt like I was the only one immune to their charm. It made me bitter and resentful, especially towards my best friend.

One afternoon, seeking solace from the chaos, I sat alone in the school library, grateful for its atmosphere of cold detachment and sterility. Around me, grey tables and chairs were scattered across the room, each arrangement meticulously spaced to discourage interaction. Above my head, the fluorescent lightning emitted a harsh glare that fell on shelves lined with books encased in plastic covers, the titles displayed in bold, uniform colours that lacked any hint of personality. It was almost completely empty, if not for me and a couple of more students. But more importantly, it was quiet. Nobody talked about how cool Christopher was or what funny jokes Michael had told.

I was trying to concentrate on my history book when Margot rushed in with an exhilarated look on her face.

She pulled the closest chair with a dragging noise and plopped down across from me.

"There you are! Elara, you wouldn't believe what happened today!" Her blue eyes sparkled with such excitement, I felt my lips press into a thin line. I had the sinking feeling this was going to be about them again.

"What is it now, Margot?" My voice held a hint of annoyance, but I masked it as best I could. She didn't seem bothered by my tone in the slightest.

"I went to get some tea, and guess who was in the cafeteria? Christopher and Michael! And we talked for ages!" Her words rushed out, full of enthusiasm. She was as animated as a child recounting her latest adventure, and I struggled to keep my irritation at bay. I rolled my eyes.

"That's great, Margot."

Her grin widened, unfazed by my lack of enthusiasm.

"They were so nice and asked me all sorts of questions about the school and the students. They even asked me about Billy Johnson. I think they genuinely want to get to know everyone", she continued, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

I felt my eyebrows jump. Billy Johnson was the hot topic before the holidays. His mysterious disappearance made the news in November, and people talked about it nonstop, speculating if someone had kidnapped him or he had run away. Even though he was not in our class, his sudden disappearance had sent shockwaves through the entire school. His missing person's posters were all over the school, gazing soullessly from hallways, classroom doors, and cafeteria walls. There were a few even here at the library. My father still worked overtime trying to figure out what happened to Billy. Some people in Silverwood blamed the police for the lack of information and resolution of the case. It didn't help my popularity status at school for sure. Ever since it became clear the case would be difficult to resolve, some of my classmates completely stopped interacting with me.

"They asked about you too," Margot's continuing ramble made me snap my eyes on her again. Come again?

My heart skipped a beat as I processed her words, caught off guard. "What? Why?"

Her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "They're intrigued by you, Elara. Noticed how they look at you during class?"

A flush crept up my neck, and I fought hard to maintain my composure. I hadn't realised that Margot might have caught onto their stares, but it also bothered me that she hadn't realised how unfriendly those gazes were in the first place. "You're reading too much into it, Margot. They probably just find me weird."

She shook her head, her tone resolute. "No, it's more than that. They inquired about your family, about your father."

"What?!", I repeated, flabbergasted. Suddenly, the library's air felt stifling, like it was closing in around me. For some reason, I wasn't feeling flattered by her revelation, "Why? What did they ask? What did you tell them?"

Why would Christopher and Michael be interested in my family, in my father? The unsettling feeling of their intense stares took on a new weight, one that extended beyond my discomfort. I couldn't shake the sense that there was more to their curiosity than simple intrigue.

She laughed at my sudden reaction. "Oh, now you are interested, aren't you? They asked about your name and who your family is. I told them your dear father is the town's sheriff, so they better watch out to keep in your good graces".

Margot's smile faltered as she sensed my internal struggle. "Elara, you're overthinking this. They probably just want to know more about people in the school. It's not a big deal."

Despite her attempt to reassure me, her words only heightened my anxiety. I fumbled for an excuse to leave, the library's supposed sanctuary now suffocating me. "I need to get going. Homework and all."

As I gathered my things, Margot's expression turned sympathetic. "Elara, seriously, don't stress over it. I'm sure it's harmless."

I managed a half-hearted smile. "Yeah, you're probably right. Just a lot on my mind."

I had one small bit of hope. Everyone avoided me because of my father's profession anyway, so I was sure this new information would deter the cousins from ever casting another look at me. 

Right?