Reborn as the Extra: The Villainess Won’t Leave Me Alone!

Rhea stood quietly, her gaze flickering toward Riley. He looks at me like I'm just another person, she thought, her inner voice softer than usual. Not with fear, not with disdain... just like I'm someone worth talking to. When was the last time I felt this seen? The thought lingered, and a warmth she couldn't quite name began to fill her chest.

Riley turned to her, his brows knitting together in mild concern. "Hey, Rhea, are you okay?"

His voice startled her out of her reverie. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her thoughts spiraled. Why does he keep noticing me? Why do I feel so unbalanced around him? Get a grip, Rhea! You're the Void princess. Act like it. She took a deep breath, her mind racing. Compose yourself. Now.

Her expression shifted back to its usual elegance, and she raised an eyebrow at Riley. "I'm perfectly fine," she said smoothly, her voice carrying that composed, aristocratic tone she had perfected over the years. "Why do you ask?"

Riley shrugged, offering a small smile. "You just seemed a little lost in thought. I figured I'd check."

Rhea tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I assure you, there's no need to concern yourself. But I appreciate the sentiment."

The two continued talking, their conversation easing into a rhythm that felt surprisingly natural. Rhea found herself answering his questions with a touch more honesty than she intended, and Riley's relaxed demeanor chipped away at the walls she had carefully constructed.

The teacher clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up," he began, his voice steady and commanding. "For the next part of class, we'll be working on paired drills. You'll partner up and practice specific techniques, focusing on timing and coordination. Pay close attention, because these are fundamental skills that will carry you forward."

The room buzzed slightly as students began murmuring among themselves. Riley's mind churned as he absorbed the teacher's words. Paired drills, huh? I wonder who I'll end up with. Hopefully someone who's patient enough to deal with a newbie.

Rhea's thoughts, however, were far less composed. Paired drills? What if I get paired with him? Her cheeks flushed again at the possibility, and she shook her head subtly. No, no, focus. This is just another exercise. It doesn't matter who you're paired with.

The teacher began assigning pairs, and both Riley and Rhea braced themselves for what was to come.

The teacher began calling out names, pairing off students for the next exercise. Riley stood stiffly, his heart pounding in his chest. Please don't let it be someone who hates me. Just someone patient... please, he thought nervously, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

Rhea, on the other hand, maintained her elegant posture, though her thoughts were anything but calm. If it's him... No, why would it be him? Stop overthinking, Rhea. It's just a drill. Whoever it is, you'll handle it with grace. Yet, despite her inner pep talk, her fingers tightened slightly around the hilt of her sword.

The teacher's voice carried across the room as he continued pairing students. Each name he called felt like a drumbeat in Riley's ears, building anticipation.

"Ellis and Miriam."

"Sam and Daniel."

The list went on, and both Riley and Rhea found themselves holding their breath with each name called.

Finally, the teacher said, "Rhea Void and... Riley Zain."

Both of them froze for a split second.

Him?! Rhea thought, her inner voice practically yelling. Why him? Of all people?!

Rhea? Riley's mind raced. Of course. It had to be her. Well, this is going to be... something.

The teacher's voice broke through their thoughts. "You two, over here. This will be your drill station."

Riley glanced at Rhea nervously. "Uh, well... looks like we're partners."

Rhea's expression remained composed, though her thoughts churned. This is fine. I can handle this. Just keep your distance and maintain control. She nodded curtly. "Let's get started."

Riley and Rhea moved to their paired station, their steps slightly hesitant but composed. As they settled into place, Riley glanced at her with a nervous chuckle.

"Well, looks like we're stuck with each other," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Rhea tilted her head, her expression calm but with a faint hint of curiosity. "It seems that way. I suppose this will be... an interesting exercise."

Riley grinned. "Interesting's one word for it. Let's try not to knock each other out, okay?"

Rhea's lips curved into a subtle smile. "That would be preferable. Though, I can't promise to go easy on you."

"Oh, don't worry," Riley replied with a playful tone. "I'll survive. Probably."

They spent a moment adjusting their positions before drawing their wooden swords, each stepping into their stances. The air between them seemed to shift, the focus palpable. Without a word, they began.

Riley's strikes were confident yet controlled, each movement flowing into the next as if guided by instinct. Rhea's responses were equally precise, her blade moving with an elegance that matched her composed demeanor. The sound of their swords meeting echoed through the room, a rhythmic dance of motion and intent.

"Your form is improving," Rhea noted, her tone neutral but sincere. "Though your left side is a bit exposed."

"Thanks for the tip," Riley said, adjusting his stance mid-swing. "But you're leaving your right open." He lunged lightly, forcing her to pivot and block.

Rhea smirked, her movements quick and fluid. "Not bad. You're learning."

"You're not making it easy," Riley replied, his strikes coming faster now, pushing her to parry each one. "But I guess that's the point."

"Precisely," she said, stepping back to counter his next swing. "Training without challenge is meaningless."

As they continued, Riley's mind raced. This feels... incredible. The way she moves, the way I can anticipate her strikes—it's like we've done this before. He chuckled softly, muttering to himself. "I'm starting to see why people love this class."

Rhea caught his words but didn't falter. Why is he smiling like that? she wondered, her thoughts racing. And why am I smiling back? This is just a drill. Focus, Rhea. Yet she couldn't help but feel a strange warmth, a sense of enjoyment she hadn't expected.

Their blades collided, and for a moment, they pushed against each other, their faces mere inches apart.

"You're stronger than I thought," Riley said, grinning.

Rhea's cheeks tinted faintly, but her voice remained steady. "And you're less inept than I expected."

"Wow, high praise coming from you," Riley teased, stepping back to block her next strike.

"Don't let it go to your head," she quipped, lunging forward with precision.

Their exchange grew more intense, their movements faster and more synchronized. Rhea's focus sharpened as she observed Riley. Why does this feel... different? Why do I feel so at ease with him? She shook the thought away, concentrating on her next move.

"Watch your grip," she said, her tone softer. "You're tightening it too much."

"Got it," Riley replied, loosening his hold slightly. "Anything else I should know, teacher?"

Rhea's smirk returned. "Plenty. But one lesson at a time."

The sequence became more fluid, their movements synchronized as if they had been partners for years. The class seemed to fade away as they focused solely on each other, their swords moving in perfect harmony.

Suddenly, the teacher's voice broke through the rhythm. "Stop!"

They froze, their swords mere inches from each other's necks, both breathing heavily. The room was silent as they lowered their weapons, their eyes meeting. A small, mutual smile passed between them.

Riley's thoughts buzzed. That was... incredible. She's amazing.

Rhea's internal voice was softer. Why am I smiling? And why does this feel... right? She quickly composed herself, but the warmth lingered as they returned to their positions, awaiting the next instruction.

Riley and Rhea stood frozen, their wooden swords still hovering near each other's necks. Both were breathing hard from the intensity of the practice drill, their eyes locked in a shared moment of unspoken understanding.

The sharp call of the teacher's voice broke through the silence, making both of them flinch. "Riley! Rhea! Over here!"

They quickly lowered their swords and turned toward him, their expressions shifting to a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The teacher's stern gaze swept over them before he spoke.

"That was impressive," he said, his tone calm but carrying a note of approval. "Your movements were synchronized, your timing was excellent, and the intensity you brought to the drill was exactly what I want to see in this class. Well done."

Riley scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Uh, thanks, sir. We just... followed your instructions."

Rhea gave a polite nod, her voice steady. "Thank you, instructor. We'll strive to improve further."

As the teacher turned to address the rest of the class, the murmurs began. Students whispered among themselves, their voices carrying a mix of awe and curiosity.

"Did you see that?" one student said. "They were incredible."

"Yeah, like they've been training together for years," another added.

From the far side of the room, Nigel watched with a scowl, his irritation evident. What's so special about him? he thought angrily. He's just some nobody who got lucky. And Void? Why is she even acknowledging him?

Rhea's thoughts, meanwhile, were more conflicted. Why did that feel so natural? she wondered, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. I've never felt that kind of rhythm with anyone before. Stop it, Rhea. This is just training. Nothing more.

Riley, on the other hand, couldn't stop the grin tugging at his lips. That was amazing. She's amazing. How is someone so composed also so good at this? He shook his head, his thoughts racing. Focus, Riley. You're getting carried away.

As the chatter around them grew, Rhea broke the silence between them. "You handled yourself well out there," she said, her voice slipping into her usual composed tone.

Riley looked at her, surprised but pleased. "Thanks. You weren't so bad yourself." He smirked. "Although I think you might have been holding back."

Rhea arched an eyebrow, her lips twitching upward. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I was merely testing your limits."

"Is that so?" Riley chuckled. "Well, if that was just a test, I'd hate to see you go all out."

For a brief moment, Rhea's composure slipped, and a soft laugh escaped her lips. She quickly cleared her throat, regaining her usual demeanor. "Don't get used to it," she said, though her tone was lighter than usual.

Riley grinned. "I'll take what I can get."

As they continued talking, their conversation drifted into a more casual rhythm, with Rhea occasionally letting down her guard and Riley enjoying the rare moments of her unfiltered personality. Around them, the other students continued to whisper, the buzz of their remarkable drill lingering in the air.