Page 4 of Until We Burn
“I’m afraid I don’t have a partner for this exercise.”
“Hmm…” Mellonbaum cups her hips. She narrows her eyes at the class. “I could’ve sworn there was supposed to be one more student?—”
The door creaks open.
Suddenly, the room goes quiet.
Everyone shifts in their seats, rousing up like live wires as Kai Mason-Maiau stands at the threshold of the lecture room.
CHAPTER 2
DIANA
Kai pants softly.His brows furrow in bewilderment as he takes in the projections swirling around the room.
“Ah, there he is!” Mellonbaum bellows.
No. He can’t possibly be in this class. It has to be a mistake.
My hopes are dashed when Kai turns to Mellonbaum, and his confusion eases into a warm smile. “Sorry I’m late, Professor. I’m just coming in from practice.”
Mellonbaum waves her hands. “You’re here now. Come in, come in. Your name is…”
She peers at her class list.
“Kainoa Mason-Maiau,” he answers, “You can just call me Kai, though. Everyone does.”
“Wonderful!” Mellonbaum beams. “You can sit down next to Miss Diana Huang. You will be partners for this introductory exercise.”
Kai’s gaze falls on me. I swallow hard, fighting to keep my breath steady. I can feel people’s eyes on us. Their whispers raise the hairs at the back of my neck as he comes towards me.
“He’s so fine.”
“Tell the heiress to watch her back. I bet he’s desperate for some clout.”
Kai settles down beside me. His tall silhouette consumes everyounce of space. His legs stretch out from the table, and his shoulders brush against mine as he gets comfortable in his seat. I can tell Kai just stepped out of the showers not too long ago. His tan skin is slightly damp with steam, making his black hair curl endearingly against his brows. The fresh, earthy scent of pinewood emanates from his black hoodie and sweats.
“It’s Diana, right?”
I gulp. His voice is so deep and rich; I swear it melts into my bones.
“H-How…how do you know my name?” I stammer.
“Mellonbaum said so,” Kai points out. There’s a playful light in his eyes as he shrugs. “And your face is everywhere.”
“Right.” I snap my head away. My entire body coils tight.He’s just a man, Diana. A gorgeous man, but still a man.
From the corner of my eye, I catch Kai chuckling a little before he holds out his hand. “I’m Kai.”
I look back at him.
“I know.” My eyes widen. “I-I mean, I’veheardof you.”
Just shake his hand and shut up.I take his hand, and my breath catches when his fingers wrap around mine, gentle yet calloused.
Kai nods at my outfit. “So, are you going to an event later?”
My brows furrow. “No? Why do you ask?”
