WEREWOLF SYSTEM

Kyle's POV

The classroom was larger than I imagined. Rows of polished wooden desks stretched out before me, the walls lined with posters detailing complex diagrams I couldn't yet comprehend. The fluorescent lights hummed faintly above, casting a bright, sterile glow on everything. I hesitated at the doorway, clutching my backpack like it was my lifeline. The hum of student chatter fell silent as soon as I stepped inside.

"Ah, you must be Kyle Wilson," a voice called out.

I turned to see a man in his mid-40s, dressed in a neatly pressed white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a tie slightly askew. He smiled warmly, his brown eyes crinkling at the edges.

"Welcome to Advanced Biology," he said, extending a hand. "I'm Dr. Brook, your lecturer. Come on in."

He spoke with such an inviting tone that I felt some of my nervousness ease. Murmurs rippled through the room as I walked to the front, standing awkwardly under everyone's gaze.

"Class, this is Kyle Wilson," Dr. Brook said, turning to address the students. "He's joining us today. Let's make him feel at home."

A chorus of subdued greetings followed, but I could feel the curiosity in their eyes. I nodded at the class, unsure of what to say.

"You can take a seat anywhere you'd like," Dr. Brook said, gesturing to the room. "We're just getting started."

I scanned the rows of faces, feeling like every seat was a spotlight. My eyes landed on the back corner of the room, where a girl sat slouched in her chair, arms crossed. Her jet-black hair framed a face so striking it was almost unsettling. She didn't look up like the others. Instead, she twirled a pen between her fingers, her posture radiating disinterest.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, she looked up. Her eyes, an intense shade of hazel, locked onto mine. It wasn't a casual glance; it was sharp and deliberate, like she was sizing me up. For a moment, the room felt smaller, the hum of the lights louder.

I tore my gaze away and quickly found an empty seat a few rows ahead of her.

Dr. Brook's POV

As Kyle settled into his seat, I couldn't help but notice the tension in his shoulders. First days were always the hardest, and I'd seen my share of students trying to navigate the awkwardness of being the "new kid."

"All right, let's get back on track," I said, clapping my hands once. "As I was saying before Kyle joined us, today we're diving into cellular regeneration and its practical applications in modern medicine."

I made a point of catching Kyle's eye as I spoke, offering an encouraging smile. My job wasn't just to teach but to create a space where every student felt like they belonged.

"Now, I know 'cellular regeneration' might sound dry, but I promise you, it's fascinating. Did you know that some scientists are exploring how we might one day regenerate damaged organs entirely?"

That sparked a few murmurs of interest, which was good. Keeping students engaged wasn't always easy, but I prided myself on my ability to make the material come alive.

As I moved toward the whiteboard, my gaze flicked to the back of the room where Elena sat. She was an enigma, that one. Brilliant, but guarded. Most students gravitated toward her for her looks, but I'd learned over the years that her beauty was only a small part of what made her stand out. She had a sharp mind, though she rarely let anyone close enough to see it.

To my surprise, she wasn't staring out the window or doodling in her notebook as she often did. Her attention was focused on Kyle, her expression unreadable.

Interesting.

Elena's POV

The new guy was awkward. Nervous. The kind of person who didn't seem comfortable in his own skin.

I leaned back in my chair, resting my chin on my hand as I watched him scan the room for a place to sit. Most of the guys in this class—hell, in this school—tried too hard to impress. Flashy clothes, cocky smirks, loud voices. They thought it made them stand out, but it just made them predictable.

But this guy? He didn't try anything. No forced smile, no swagger. Just a quiet sort of uncertainty that somehow made him more interesting.

When our eyes met, I didn't look away. His gaze flickered, like he wasn't sure if he should hold it or break it. He chose the latter, of course.

Typical.

Still, there was something about him that piqued my curiosity. I didn't know what it was, but I decided then and there that I'd keep an eye on him.

Kyle's POV

Dr. Brook was good at his job, I'd give him that. His enthusiasm for the subject was infectious, and I found myself leaning forward, genuinely interested in what he was saying.

But I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It wasn't the usual first-day stares; those had already faded. This was different—intense.

I glanced over my shoulder and saw her again. The girl in the back corner. Elena, I heard someone whisper earlier.

She was watching me, her hazel eyes steady and unflinching. I quickly turned back around, my face growing warm.

Who is she?

"Mr. Wilson?" Dr. Brook's voice jolted me from my thoughts.

"Y-yes?"

"I asked if you had any thoughts on the ethical implications of cellular regeneration," he said with a patient smile.

I blinked, trying to process the question. "Uh… I think it's… a double-edged sword? Like, it could save lives, but it could also be misused?"

Dr. Brook's smile widened. "Exactly. Well said, Kyle. It's important to consider both the potential benefits and risks of advancements in science. Nice to see you're already thinking critically."

I relaxed a little, grateful that my guess had been on point.

Dr. Brook's POV

Kyle was sharp, no doubt about it. His response had been thoughtful, even if it was clear he'd been caught off guard. I made a mental note to keep encouraging him. Students like Kyle often just needed a little push to realize their potential.

As the lecture continued, I noticed Elena's attention hadn't strayed from Kyle. It was unusual for her; she was usually so detached, almost as if she didn't care about anyone or anything.

Perhaps Kyle's presence was already shaking up the dynamics of this class.

And maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.

Elena's POV

When the lecture ended, I packed my things slowly, watching as Kyle gathered his stuff and slipped out of the room.

"Hey, Elena," one of the guys near me said, leaning against my desk.

I didn't even look at him. "Not interested."

He stammered something about how he wasn't hitting on me, but I tuned him out. My eyes were on the door Kyle had just walked through.

There was something about him. Something different.

And I intended to find out what it was.