Chapter 41

The guy with the phone blinked in confusion, realizing his viewfinder was suddenly blocked. A tall, imposing figure stepped forward: Harley. His sharp, cold gaze locked onto the would-be photographer like a hawk spotting prey.

"Don't take photos without permission," Harley said, his voice low but packed with authority.

"Sorry!" The student stammered, lowering his phone immediately under the weight of Harley's chilling aura. Harley confirmed there were no pictures saved before turning away and striding toward Noelle.

"All night. I get it, you're amazing. Now open your eyes before people start thinking we have a little blind student wandering around," he said with an exasperated chuckle.

"Hmph." Noelle slowly blinked her eyes open, tilting her head at Harley. "Next time, don't underestimate me." She puffed up her cheeks slightly, still miffed. As if someone like Harley could actually protect her! She used to be his commanding officer!

Harley couldn't help but smirk at her stubborn streak. "I didn't underestimate you."

"Then why are you hovering like I'm some fragile doll?"

Caught off guard, Harley stumbled for a reply. He gazed at her, wondering how someone could be so perceptive about some things and so clueless about others. "It's just instinct, I guess," he finally admitted, shrugging with a small sigh.

"Fine."

"My bad."

"Good," Noelle said triumphantly. "Don't do it again."

Leia, walking nearby, had been listening to their exchange the entire time. What is wrong with Noelle? she thought, exasperated. Anyone with half a brain could see Harley wants to protect her because he likes her! But she twists it into some ridiculous insult about being underestimated. How dense can one person be? Still, Leia couldn't help but see the silver lining. If Noelle was going to remain oblivious, it gave her more room to swoop in and win Harley over.

The group eventually reached their assigned section for the opening ceremony. The event started with the usual pleasantries from the university president, filled with generic words of encouragement for the incoming freshmen. Next up was a speech from the student council president. However, due to the president being unwell, the vice president, Eli, was called to step in.

This was a side of Eli that Noelle had never seen before. He walked confidently onto the stage, his tall, lean frame exuding a quiet authority. His crisp white shirt, perfectly knotted tie, and polished demeanor made him look every bit the part of a leader. Yet, there was a warmth in his smile that softened his otherwise composed and professional demeanor. When Eli spoke, his voice was clear and soothing, cutting through the summer heat like a refreshing breeze. From the moment he appeared, the audience was captivated, especially the girls.

"God, the vice president is so handsome!"

"Forget joining a club, I'm joining the student council to be near him!"

"Hey, mind your tongue. We're in school."

"Damn. He's so attractive! Is he single? Because if he is, I'm shooting my shot."

Noelle, overhearing the chatter around her, could hardly believe her ears. What the heck! Is this really Eli? Noelle thought. Her impression of Eli was vastly different. At home, he was the perpetually stern and nagging older brother. Yet here, he was practically a celebrity. Is Eli secretly a master of disguise? Noelle thought.

Leia, on the other hand, was fully aware of Eli's popularity at school, but even she hadn't realized it was this overwhelming. A plan began forming in her mind. If Eli was this admired, she could surely use his influence to her advantage.

After the opening ceremony, the first-year students gathered in their classrooms to elect class representatives. Harley, naturally, chose to sit next to Noelle, with Leia taking the spot beside him.

"Harley, are you going to run for class rep?" Leia asked sweetly, leaning toward him slightly.

Instead of answering her, Harley turned to Noelle. "Are you interested in running for anything?"

"Ugh, no way. Sounds like too much work," Noelle said, scrunching her nose. The memory of middle school, where being a class rep meant endless chores, was still fresh in her mind.

"Then I won't run either," Harley said nonchalantly.

"What? Why not?" Noelle asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Do you want me to run?" Harley countered, his tone teasing.

"Well..." Noelle's eyes lit up mischievously. "If you become class rep, you could totally bend the rules for me, right?"

Harley raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk spreading across his face. "In that case, I'll run for class rep."

"Yay!" Leia clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms.

Harley and Noelle's close relationship was a puzzle to most people. Harley wasn't just anyone; he was the scion of a prestigious family, his lineage marked by both historical achievements and societal influence. Compared to the Anderson family, his status was a whole tier above, making it clear that Harley had no reason to defer to anyone, let alone cater to their whims.

And yet, when it came to Noelle, he was almost unrecognizable. Harley listened to her, indulged her, and even went so far as to change his own plans just because Noelle mentioned wanting someone to pull some strings for her. It left everyone scratching their heads. Who is Noelle, really? What has she done to deserve such loyalty from someone like Harley!?

The results of the class officer elections were announced. In the end, Harley won the election by a landslide and was named class rep. Leia, much to her satisfaction, became the vice rep, tasked with assisting him.

After the class officer elections wrapped up and the advisor finished going over the necessary details, the meeting was dismissed. Students trickled out of the classroom one by one. Leia quickly caught up to Harley, flashing him a sweet smile.

"Harley, I remember back in high school, you were the class president, and I was the vice president. Now, in college, it's the same again. Looks like we're really meant to be, huh?"

"Mm," Harley responded, his tone flat and indifferent.

Without another word, he walked straight to Noelle's side. "It's lunchtime, Noelle. Let's go eat."

"Okay. Any food preferences?"

"Nope. But I love meat. Make sure to order lots of it."

"I know." Harley couldn't help but chuckle. He still remembered when the Thunder Unit came to their school for training back then. Noelle was a complete carnivore. She could skip everything else, but meat! That was non-negotiable. Two years had passed, and she was still the same.

Leia watched their easy, familiar exchange, and the jealousy gnawed at her. She forced a smile and asked, "Harley, Noelle, how did you two meet? You seem so close."

Noelle turned to Leia, blinking innocently. "You really want to know?"

"Of course," Leia answered eagerly, her eyes filled with anticipation. "Tell me, Noelle. I'm really curious."

Harley frowned slightly. Noelle had been adamant about keeping her identity under wraps. Leia might act friendly on the surface, but she wasn't someone to be taken lightly. If she found out the truth, it could lead to trouble.

Then, before Harley could say anything, Noelle simply smiled and said, "That's a secret between me and Harley. I'm not telling you." Nick had warned her Leia wasn't to be trusted. And Noelle wasn't about to fall into her trap.