Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 102

Amber's mouth twitched. In the past, all this underclassman worship had been directed solely at Lucian. She hadn't anticipated the Olympiad—or rather, Sharif's ridiculous coffee sponsorship—causing such a massive ripple effect, but she had zero desire to be an idol.

Until graduation was over, she just wanted to keep her head down.

"Guys, class is about to start, and we shouldn't block the halls," Amber announced clearly. "If you want some good luck or a photo, how about we wait until acceptance letters come out? I'll ask the teachers to let you know, and I'll wait at the school for anyone who wants a picture. Sound fair?"

"You're the best, Amber!"

"Good luck on the finals!"

Amber gently reminded them to watch their step on the stairs before letting Vance escort her into the classroom.

Pop!

The moment she walked in, someone triggered a confetti cannon. Thousands of colorful ribbons rained down as the classmates she had tutored cheered, "Welcome, Riverport Physics Olympiad Champion! Thank you for the drinks, Amber. Let's conquer finals together!"

Clap, clap, clap.

The applause was thunderous. Vance struck a dramatic pose in front of her. Clearly, the confetti cannon had been his bright idea.

"Amber..."

"You're on cleaning duty today, right? Better sweep this up before Ms. Harper walks in," Amber said, glaring at him.

Vance grinned. "Relax, I already cleared it with Ms. Harper. She said we could celebrate as long as we didn't cause a riot. Come on, get up there and say a few words. You're the pride of the school now."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Lucian—who actually hadn't skipped class today—scoffed. "The pride of the school? Did you officially bestow that title, Vance?"

Joanne immediately chimed in. "Exactly. Did a single cup of coffee really buy off the entire class? Lucian is still ranked number one overall. One physics Olympiad doesn't prove anything."

Amber smiled faintly. "It might not prove 'anything', but it certainly proves that I won."

"Lucian, no matter how bitter you are, the fact is: you lost!" Amber pointed right at him.

Furious, Lucian shot up from his seat. "Amber!"

Vance had already given his friends the signal. The moment Lucian moved, five guys stepped forward. "Don't make me repeat myself, class president. Amber is under my protection."

A student who had long despised Joanne added, "Don't stoop to his level, Amber. He's just throwing a tantrum because he lost. And as for Joanne, she's just looking for a fight because she's jealous. Notice how everyone here has a drink in their hand except her and Lucian?"

Amber popped the lid of her customized drink and raised it. Answering her call, the entire class, minus Lucian and Joanne, hoisted their cups and yelled, "Crush the fifth mocks! Let's go!"

Lucian was so furious he wanted to grab his bag and walk out.

He hadn't skipped class today solely because of Joanne. Granted, he'd set multiple alarms to ensure he woke up, but he was still wearing yesterday's unwashed undershirt and underwear.

The shirt hadn't dried properly, his mother refused to do his laundry anymore, and he was too lazy to do it himself. He had planned to just wear them dirty and throw them out later.

Having been spoiled his whole life, Lucian felt utterly disgusting right now. Damn it, if he had known, he would have bought new clothes on the way here. But new clothes needed to be washed before wearing, and he had no intention of doing that either.

Once finals were over and he was officially with Joanne, she would do his laundry for him.

The morning classes flew by amidst the students' heated gossip. By noon, Amber needed to run an errand off-campus. Just as she stood up, Vance blocked her path. "Where are you going if not the cafeteria?"

"I have an errand. I'll grab lunch outside, so don't worry about me. Eat your food, then run through the new practice tests I bought you ten times. I'm checking your work this afternoon."

Vance didn't budge. "Let's get one thing straight. Tillie called out sick today and isn't answering texts. Are you two scheming something behind my back?"

Amber: "..."