The Triple-D Failure Rises To Power

CHAPTER 3: She Likes Him

RRRIIINNNGGGG!

The loud clang of the academy bell echoed through the halls, making a bunch of students groan and stretch.

“That’s all for today,” Mr. Melzack announced, shutting his heavy book with a thump. “For homework, write three pages on the differences between Flow and Nexis. Due next week. Don’t slack—your foundations will decide your future.”

Half the class groaned in unison.

“Three pages? Seriously?”

“Ugh, he’s worse than my dad.”

“Bro, I can’t even write one page without falling asleep.”

Melzack gave them a sharp glare that shut everyone up, then his face softened a little. “Study well. That will be all. Goodbye, class.”

“Goodbye, sir!” the class chorused, though some said it with zero enthusiasm.

As soon as the door closed behind him, the quiet shattered.

“Lyraaa, is it true you mastered fire spells at ten?”

“Did your dad really duel the Headmaster?”

“Wait, wait. Can you show us a spell right now?”

“Are you joining the Fire Guild after graduation?”

The crowd swarmed around Lyra like bees chasing honey. She smiled politely, brushing her fiery red hair behind her ear.

“One question at a time, please.” Her voice was calm, but her presence filled the room. Everyone wanted to be close to her, to get a taste of that power and fame she carried so effortlessly.

Silver leaned across his desk. “Seriously Lyra, careful. Don’t let Vale breathe near you too long. They say failure spreads if you get too close.”

Laughter broke out.

Lyra didn’t even look his way. Instead, she tucked her things neatly, ignoring the sneers, and when she finally spoke, her words cut sharper than any blade.

“If failure was contagious, half of you would already be sick.”

The crowd went silent for half a second, then burst into nervous giggles. Silver’s face burned red, but he forced a laugh like it didn’t bother him.

Meanwhile, Eren sat quietly, watching the scene from the back. He didn’t hate Lyra—he didn’t even know her—but girls like her, powerful and untouchable, were like stars in the sky. He was just dirt on the ground.

He slipped out of his seat and mumbled, “Excuse me,” before heading for the door. Nobody noticed. Nobody ever did.

The hallway was calmer, the buzz of students filling the air. Eren walked toward his locker, pulling at the strap of his worn-out bag. His mind was still full of Mr. Melzack’s lecture. 

“Eren!”

His heart jumped. He spun around.

There she was. Serena Arclight. Her long golden hair glimmered under the hallway lights, and her smile was soft—gentle, even. For a second, everything around him faded.

“Hey,” she said sweetly, walking closer. “You left so quickly. Didn’t you hear me calling?”

Eren scratched his neck, flustered. “S-sorry, I guess I was distracted.”

Her laugh was soft, like bells. “You’re always distracted. You should pay more attention to people who care about you.”

His chest warmed. Serena cared. Even when everyone mocked him, she was the one who spoke kindly. She made him feel like maybe he wasn’t completely worthless.

“Um, yeah,” he muttered, smiling nervously.

She leaned in a little, her perfume brushing against him. “You’re not like them, Eren. You’re different. Special. You just need someone to believe in you.”

Eren’s ears turned red. Nobody ever said words like that to him. Nobody.

Serena’s fingers lightly touched the pendant hanging from his neck. “You always wear this. It must mean a lot to you.”

Eren nodded quickly. “It was from my parents… it’s all I have left of them.”

Her eyes softened, though deep down, there was something unreadable hiding in them. “That’s sweet. You’re so loyal… I like that.”

The warmth in Eren’s chest grew. He didn’t even realize he was already hooked.

“Actually…” she tilted her head, lips curving. “Could you help me with something later? My notes are a mess, and I know you’re good at writing neat copies. Please?”

Eren’s heart fluttered. She was asking him. “Y-yeah, of course! I’ll do it.”

Her smile widened, dazzling. “You’re the best, Eren. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Wait here.”

As she walked away, her skirt brushing softly, Eren stood frozen, smiling like an idiot. 

She came back out holding her bag. Her smile didn’t fade as she pulled out a bundle of messy looking notes from her bag. “Here,” she said, holding them out. “I wasn’t kidding. Look at this disaster.”

Eren took the stack carefully, nodding. “Nahh… it's not that bad.”

“You’re such a lifesaver.” She leaned a little closer, eyes soft. “I knew I could count on you.”

Eren’s chest burned with pride, like he had just been chosen for something important. He forgot completely about his locker, clutching the notes like they were precious treasure as he walked back to class.

The day dragged on until finally, the bell rang for lunch.

Students burst out of their seats, laughing, chatting, and pushing past each other as they spilled into the hallways. The noise grew louder with every second, like the whole academy was alive and buzzing.

But Eren stayed behind. He sat hunched over his desk, Serena’s papers spread out neatly, his pen scratching quickly as he copied word for word. His own stomach growled, but he ignored it.

“You’re not getting lunch?”

Eren blinked and looked up. Lyra Medella was standing at his desk, her fiery hair catching the light. Her sharp golden eyes glanced at the stack of notes.

“I’m… uh, busy,” Eren muttered. “I’ll eat later.”

Lyra stepped closer. She didn’t miss the name written in bold across the top of one note: Serena Arclight. Her brows furrowed.

“You’re copying notes for her?”

Eren straightened up. “Yeah… she asked me.”

Lyra’s gaze stayed firm. “Or maybe she forced you into it.”

That hit a nerve. Eren’s face heated. “No! She didn’t force me. I offered, okay? Serena’s my friend. She—she actually talks to me when no one else does.”

Lyra crossed her arms, unimpressed. “Sounds like you’re being used.”

Eren’s jaw tightened. “Mind your business. You don’t know her.”

Her lips pressed together, then she raised her hands like she was done. “Fine. If you say so.” She turned and walked out, her presence like fire leaving the room cold.

Eren exhaled shakily and bent back over the papers. He didn’t need Lyra’s pity. Serena was different. Serena cared.

————

Twenty minutes later, just when his hand was cramping, the classroom door creaked open.

“Eren?”

He looked up. Serena walked in, holding a juice box and a sandwich.

“I didn’t see you at lunch,” she said softly, walking over. Her voice had a little tremble, the kind that made his chest ache. “You’re really doing all this for me… I feel so bad.”

Eren shook his head quickly. “No, don’t feel bad. I like helping you.”

Her smile grew warmer. She set the food down in front of him. “Still… you’re too good to me.”

Eren’s heart pounded. Every word she said wrapped around him like a chain, and he didn’t even notice.

Then she hesitated, biting her lip like she was nervous. “Eren… there’s something I’ve been meaning to say.”

He froze. His pen slipped out of his hand. “W-what is it?”

She looked down, then back up at him with big, watery eyes. “I… I really like you. More than a friend.”

His brain went blank. “Y-you… what?”

“I know it’s sudden,” she whispered, dragging it out, her fingers tracing circles on the desk, “but when I see you trying so hard just for me… I can’t help it. You make me feel special.”

Eren’s whole face burned red. His chest was going to explode. “I… I like you too! I really do!”

Serena’s smile brightened instantly. “Then… how about a date?”

His jaw dropped. “A… a date? With me?”

She laughed softly, leaning closer. “Yes, silly. With you.”

He nodded so fast it hurt. “Y-yeah! Yes! A million times yes!”

Her grin widened. “Tomorrow night then. It’s not a school night. Meet me near the new restaurant under the bridge. Around 8pm.”

Eren’s head bobbed like he was possessed. “I’ll be there. I promise.”

“Good.” She touched his arm lightly, sending shivers through him. “Don’t be late.”

Then she walked out, her golden hair swaying, leaving Eren sitting there, blushing so hard his cheeks hurt.