Olivia sat on the rooftop, enjoying her lunch in the serenity of solitude. The unexpected sound of approaching footsteps startled her. She had assumed that the presence of a celebrity would draw everyone’s attention away from her rooftop refuge.
Surprised to see Darek approaching, Olivia’s initial thoughts circled around the idea that he would prefer the cafeteria, where he could revel in the attention he was receiving. However, as he began to leave, her voice stopped him in his tracks.
“There’s no need for you to leave,” Olivia spoke in a nonchalant tone, her focus more on her meal than the celebrity presence beside her. “If you’re concerned that I’ll be a bother, don’t worry. I’ll be leaving soon.”
Darek found himself taken aback by her words and the casual way in which she addressed him. He hadn’t expected such straightforwardness, and her nonchalant demeanour was a refreshing departure from the usual awe he encountered. He hesitated for a moment, then considering the limited time left in the lunch break, he accepted her offer.
Maintaining a careful distance, Darek settled on the rooftop, appreciating the unspoken understanding between them. As the minutes ticked by, they each focused on their lunches, side by side yet separate, amidst the quiet rooftop and the bustle of the school below.
With the school bell signalling the end of lunch, Darek and Olivia gathered their lunch boxes and headed to their respective classes, resuming their roles as students amidst the daily routine.
After school, Darek embarked on his next adventure—a photo shoot. Accompanied by his friend Mikael, he prepared himself for the upcoming session. Amid the bustling activity, Mikael found a moment to ask, “So, how did the first day of school go?”
Darek’s response was candid and laced with frustration. “Annoying,” he replied, his tone reflective of the exasperation he felt. Mikael’s curiosity was piqued. “What happened?” he inquired further.
Darek’s irritation became evident as he described the scrutiny he faced at school. “I can’t have a single moment of peace there. The whole school follows my every move, like they’re experimenting on a lab rat, noting down its every reaction to the drugs given to them,” he explained, his words accompanied by a shudder. Mikael couldn’t help but burst into laughter at Darek’s analogy.
“The only thing they didn’t do is ask for my photograph and autograph,” Darek continued, his irritation palpable. He paused for a moment as if to let the absurdity of the situation sink in. “And you know why? Because I told them not to do it in advance,” he added, a hint of exasperation colouring his words.
Mikael’s laughter intensified, echoing off the walls of the rooftop. Darek shot him a wry glance, his lips curling into a half-amused, half-exasperated smile. It was as if the very presence of his friend was a balm for the irritation that had been simmering beneath the surface all day.
“You have to admit, Darek, it’s quite a spectacle,” Mikael managed to say between fits of laughter. “I mean, who could have predicted this level of fanfare?”
Darek let out a resigned sigh, his gaze drifting toward the skyline. The sun cast a warm golden hue across the city, painting the buildings and streets with a touch of magic. It was a sight he often found solace in—a moment of stillness amidst the chaos of his public life.
“I suppose I should have expected it,” Darek mused, his annoyance softening into a reflective tone. “But I just didn’t realize how overwhelming it would be.”
Mikael’s laughter finally subsided, leaving behind a smile that spoke of camaraderie and understanding. “Well, my friend, you are no longer just Darek Marshall, the singer and model,” Mikael said with a playful grin. “You’re now also Darek Marshall, the high school celebrity.”
Darek chuckled, a genuine note of amusement in his voice. “Oh, how the tables have turned,” he remarked, his gaze locking onto Mikael’s.
“Well, that’s a perk of being a celebrity,” Mikael quipped, his laughter infectious as he observed Darek’s reaction to his lighthearted comment.
Amidst the shared laughter, Darek’s thoughts took a turn. “But there was someone who occupied my interest,” he admitted, his expression growing contemplative as he found himself thinking about Olivia.
Intrigued, Mikael’s attention sharpened, his curiosity piqued by Darek’s words. Rarely did anything catch Darek’s attention to this extent, and Mikael didn’t want to miss a single detail. “Occupied your interest?” he probed, eager to know more.
Darek recounted the encounter with Olivia during lunch break, describing the accidental bump and her subsequent nonchalant demeanour. As he shared the details, Mikael listened attentively, forming a mental picture of the situation.
“Maybe she was acting nonchalant to grab your attention,” Mikael speculated, offering his perspective on the situation. “Just give her some time, and soon she’ll be clinging to you,” he added with a knowing grin. Darek contemplated Mikael’s words, a nod of agreement accompanying his silent thoughts.
As Darek and Mikael continued their conversation, a staff member approached with news of the set being ready for Darek’s photo shoot. Switching gears, Darek immersed himself in the world of lights and poses, giving his all to the task at hand.
With the photo shoot wrapped up, the day moved on, transitioning into a recording session. Yet, amid the whirlwind of activities, Olivia’s presence lingered in Darek’s thoughts like an enigmatic puzzle he couldn’t quite solve.
“You’re going crazy, Darek,” he murmured, shaking his head as if to physically push away Olivia’s lingering image. Determined to focus on his commitments, he redirected his attention to the recording session.
More than a week had passed since Darek’s entry into the school, and the spotlight on him had yet to dim. The incessant attention he received had started to wear on his patience, testing his resolve to maintain his composure.
Students of the school were persistent in their attempts to gain his favour and befriend him. Despite his initial request to be treated like any other student, some seemed to disregard his boundaries, seeking to curry his favour through various means.
As days turned into weeks, Darek noticed that even his direct requests, like refraining from asking for autographs and photographs, were being ignored. Some students seemed to have forgotten his words entirely, and he caught a few secretly taking his photos without his consent.
His irritation was evident, but Darek knew that expressing his frustration openly could damage his carefully cultivated image. Instead, he chose to take a more proactive approach. He decided to make a mental note to discuss the matter with the professors, hoping they could help in managing the situation.
Contrary to the prevailing atmosphere of celebrity fascination, Olivia found herself relishing her school life more than ever. With Darek’s arrival, a remarkable transformation had taken place. The once looming shadow of bullying and isolation had been replaced with a newfound sense of peace and normalcy.
Olivia’s days were no longer marred by the fear of being targeted by bullies. Darek’s presence had diverted the spotlight away from her, offering her a respite from the negativity that had surrounded her. She revelled in the simple joys of attending classes, engaging in conversations with her friends, and focusing on her studies, unburdened by the weight of harassment.
For Olivia, Darek’s arrival had brought a refreshing change, turning her school experience into a brighter, more positive one. As she embraced this newfound normalcy, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unintended shield his celebrity had provided her against the troubles of the past.
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