The next morning, Vivienne stepped into the university hallways early.
The air buzzed with the footsteps of the students, their idle chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter echoed through the corridor. The morning light streamed through the wide glass windows, casting long, golden shadows on the walls and the tiled floor.
Vivienne walked with steady steps, her heels clicking against the floor. Outworldly, she appeared calm and collected as ever; but inside, her mind was in chaos.
Sarah, Abigail.
These two names kept her awake all night long.
She wasn't a fool anymore. She knew Sarah wouldn't stay silent.
For years, Vivienne had been 'the controlled'. She was shaped and tamed under Sarah's own rules, under her perfect veil of guidance.
But this time, she'd broken the cycle. Her rejection — it wasn't just about the competition, but about her ego. It showed her the reality — the control she possessed was slipping off her hands slowly.
And as far as she knew her, Sarah wasn't someone who let go of the person easily who hurt her ego.
Vivienne was sure she'd retaliate, sooner or later.
But the question was, how'd she strike back?
And as of now, she didn't have an answer for that. All she could do now was to stay vigilant and plan accordingly.
As Vivienne turned the corner near the design wing, she saw many students, mostly from her batch, chattering about themes, deadlines, portfolios, and inspirations. They barely glanced at her.
Vivienne walked past the cluster without looking at them, without even slowing a bit, as if they never existed there.
Once upon a time, she'd have stopped, shared a word, or offered a gentle smile. But not anymore.
She had seen their true colors, who really they were.
In her past life, these were the same people who smiled to her face but scoffed behind her back. And when she was at her lowest, they didn't even bother to hide that anymore!
She still remembered the last reunion she attended before her death. She'd gone hoping to revisit some warm memories, but what did she receive? The ache of an invisible wound that bled silently.
The fall of the class's brightest, the most envied student thrilled them to their core. They just couldn't hold back.
But, that was 'then'.
Now, everything had changed. Vivienne herself had changed. And this Vivienne would never waste her time on snakes in human skins.
As she passed, some turned to watch. Surprise flickered in their eyes. Vivienne had always been the one to come forward and start a conversation, but what happened to her today? She didn't even look at them!
"Did she just ignore us?" Someone asked.
"I guess so." Another muttered, puzzled.
-
Vivienne stepped into the classroom. But instead of walking to her usual seat, she headed towards the one next to Esme.
"Good morning." She greeted softly.
Esme, buried in her book, looked up. A gentle smile spread across her lips. "Good morning Vivienne."
"Call me Viv." She said lightly, while pulling the chair beside her, then settled into it.
"Yeah, sure, Viv," Esme replied, somewhat puzzled.
They had never been particularly close, cordial at best. But since Vivienne's engagement, something had shifted. The change was subtle, not dramatic, but Esme noticed.
Because.. she was always an excellent observer.
Lately, she'd seen how Vivienne started to distance herself from the familiar circle of classmates she once mingled with so effortlessly. Yet, with her, Vivienne was at ease — much than earlier, as if she was trying to replace her circle carefully.
'Why the sudden change?'
The question floated in Esme's mind, but she didn't push it. Whatever the reason, she didn't mind. As she'd seen them, they weren't weren't trustworthy for her anyway. And Vivienne, in Esme's eyes, deserved better.
"Have you submitted your application?" Esme asked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Not yet." Vivienne sighed.
"Not yet? Don't leave it for the last day! What if the website crashes?"
"I'll finish it tonight. Still working on the sample" Vivienne replied.
"By the way, why aren't you participating?" She asked, glancing at Esme's bag.
"Ah... Well, I don't even get enough time to sleep after studies and my part-time job." She chuckled dryly.
What she didn't say was, she couldn't afford the entry fee. Or that she didn't have the 'raw talent' that Aureates demanded.
Instead, she smirked. "Besides, only one student from each college advances to the next round, and when you are already in, why waste my time?"
"Now, I'll be on cloud nine, then." And... They both laughed at her remarks.
But suddenly, a sharp scoff cut through the air.
"I didn't know we have an astrologer in our department!"
Their laughter stopped abruptly, and both girls turned their heads to where the sound came from.
There she was. Abigail. Standing a few feet away from them, acting as high and mighty as always.
As soon as she saw her, Vivienne's mouth felt bitter. Abigail stood there with her arms crossed, a smug smile hung on her lips. "I must've missed the memo, when did you two become so close?"
Vivienne locked her eyes with Abigail, "Maybe around the same time you started eavesdropping..!" She replied smoothly.
"Oh, really?" She stepped forward, her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Cute. I just didn't realize that a competition could make people so desperate... to make alliances."
Vivienne remained still, plastering a loose smile on her lips. "Yeah. I also couldn't imagine that someone would have to socialize so much with... juniors."
Abigail's smug smile deepened. "Well, since we're talking about competition, I hope you're ready to lose. I just can't see the little Winter princess cry."
Vivienne's eyes sharpened. "Well, then we'll have to see what's coming."
A slow deliberate pause hung between them.
Then, Abigail stepped closer, her voice dropped a bit more. "Then I guess it's time someone teaches you what losing really feels like."
"Don't worry. I plan to win. And, when I plan it — I make it. You know it best, no Abby?" Vivienne smiled. "By the way, I'd suggest you reserve some bottles already. Heard liquor eases pain."
They stared at each other, saying nothing. But Esme could feel the unspoken tension between them.
For the first time, Vivienne and Abigail challenged each other head-on.
The battle was about to begin. This time, it wasn't going to be easy.