Chapter 1: Her crush is a bully

Eva's POV

It was a dream come true to be attending Brookside High School, the biggest and most prestigious school in the US. I still couldn't believe I was actually walking its halls, surrounded by students from all over the country. If not for the scholarship, I knew my single father wouldn't have been able to afford the exorbitant fees. I felt grateful and wanted to make the most of this opportunity.

As I walked to school, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. My daddy hadn't given me money for transportation, not because he couldn't afford it, but because I had insisted on saving up.

When I finally arrived at the school, a smile spread across my face as I gazed up at the imposing structure. Today marked my third day at Brookside High, and I was still getting accustomed to the unfamiliar surroundings. It seemed like everyone was too engrossed in their own world to notice me, let alone strike up a conversation. I didn't mind, though—I was still trying to wrap my head around the sheer grandeur of this place.

As I stepped inside, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sleek, modern architecture that seemed to stretch on forever. The high ceilings, polished floors, and expansive windows all contributed to an atmosphere of luxury and refinement. It was a far cry from the humble, worn-down school I was used to go. I felt like a small fish in a vast ocean, struggling to find my place in this new environment.

I took a deep breath and began to make my way to my locker, trying to shake off the feeling of being an outsider...

And that was when I saw him—the most stunning guy I had ever laid eyes on. He stood tall, towering over everyone else in the hallway. His chiseled features and piercing eyes made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't help but stare, my gaze fixed on him as if mesmerized. I had never felt this way about anyone before, and I couldn't deny the flutter in my chest as I took in his captivating smile.

I stood there, frozen, pretending to fumble with my locker while secretly drinking in the sight of him. His messy brown hair and bright blue eyes made my heart race, and I couldn't help but wonder who he was. He look so familiar. Was he a model? A star athlete? A charming musician? My mind whirled with questions as I struggled to tear my gaze away.

For a moment, I forgot about my surroundings, forgot about my shyness, and forgot about everything else. All that mattered was the captivating stranger who had suddenly appeared in my line of sight, leaving me breathless and bewitched...

Garvin Slade—the guy I had a crush on since the first day of school. I remembered seeing him from afar on my first day, feeling an instant attraction. Every day since then, I had looked forward to catching glimpses of him in the hallways, even in class.

But then I saw something that shattered my perfect image of him. He walked angrily towards another guy—someone I had heard people call a "nerd"—and shoved him. "Who told you to spread rumors that we're friends? You were never my friend, and you never will be. You're nobody, insignificant compared to me. You're an insect." He pushed the guy again before walking away, leaving me in shock.

I couldn't believe that the guy I had a crush on was a bully. It felt like a punch to the gut, a harsh reality check. I didn't know what to think or feel anymore.

As the day went by, I couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and anger. I was disappointed in Garvin for being a bully, but more so, I was angry at myself for still having feelings for him. Why was I still drawn to him despite knowing his true nature? I couldn't explain it, but I couldn't deny it either.

I tried to convince myself that maybe he wasn't a bully to everyone—maybe he only targeted people who looked for trouble. But deep down, I knew that was just a weak excuse. I had seen the way he treated that other guy, and it was unacceptable.

Yet, when I came across Garvin again, I found myself blinking fast, my heart racing, and my face growing hot. He was charming, charismatic, and captivating, and I couldn't help but be swept up in his presence.

"Ugh, why am I still falling for this guy?" I muttered to myself, frustrated and confused. "He's a bully, Eva! Get it together!"

But my heart refused to listen to reason. I was torn between my attraction to Garvin and my disgust at his behavior. I didn't know what to do or how to process these conflicting emotions...

"Maybe I should just approach him," I thought, feeling a sense of frustration and desperation. "A simple 'hi' won't hurt him, and he's not even looking my way. Does he even know I exist?" I wondered, feeling invisible and ignored.

I was so frustrated with myself for feeling this way. "Why am I so empty?" I asked myself, feeling a void inside. "I shouldn't be feeling this way about someone who's mean and hurtful."

But I couldn't help it. I wanted to walk away, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot. And then I turned around, and he was still there, oblivious to my presence. He was busy with his phone, his eyes fixed on the screen, and for a moment, I saw him in a different light.

This guy was like a god, an angel, with a face so chiseled and perfect. No girl could resist him, I thought, feeling a pang of jealousy. Maybe I should just tell him how I feel, I thought, my heart racing at the prospect.

But what if he rejects me? What if he laughs in my face, or worse, tells me I'm just a nobody? I couldn't bear the thought, and yet, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to take a chance...

"Hi, won't hurt," I whispered to myself, trying to muster up some courage. With a mixture of nervousness and curiosity, I approached him. He wasn't looking at me, but I said hello anyway, trying to sound casual.

His friends around him burst out laughing, and in that moment, I felt like shrinking away. I heard their mocking tones and felt my face heat up with embarrassment. I tried to cover it up with a smile, hoping to play it cool.

But when Garvin finally looked at me, his expression was not what I expected. Instead of a friendly smile or even a neutral glance, he looked at me with surprise, annoyance, and disgust—like I was something he'd rather not acknowledge.

I felt a stinging sensation, like I'd been slapped. My smile faltered, and I immediately regretted my action. Why had I thought he'd be interested in talking to me? Why had I put myself out there like that?

I wanted to disappear, to erase the awkwardness of the moment. But my legs felt heavy, and I couldn't move. I was stuck there, frozen in embarrassment, as Garvin turned back to his friends and continued his conversation, dismissing me entirely...

I couldn't understand why Garvin would ignore me entirely. I said hello to him again, trying to shake off the feeling of embarrassment. But this time, he looked at me with anger, though I still had a smile on my face. He stood up, and I was taken aback by his height—he was extremely tall. My mind raced with what would happen next as he walked toward me. Before I knew it, he pushed me hard on the head, and I lost my balance. I fell to the ground, and that's when I realized everyone was watching what had just happened. They burst out in laughter, making the moment even more humiliating.