In Shakespeare's play, Rosaline was Romeo's first love but she was not recognized. She was only compared to Juliet, that Romeo's love for Rosaline was shallow. That Romeo loves Juliet more than her.

When they saw that people loved Juliet more, they threw Rosaline's idea out of the story to focus on Romeo and Juliet. Even though Rosaline is the sole reason why the two have met.

I can't help but compare my situation to her.

I can't help but think that maybe I am Rosaline in every universe.

It was in the bustling halls of grade 8 that I first laid eyes on him. As a newcomer from another country, I had my share of nerves about fitting in.

But thankfully, my cousins were by my side, making the transition feel less daunting and more like an adventure.

With them as my classmates, I never felt like an outsider—everything felt familiar and exciting all at once.

My cousin Julian strolled in, sporting a stylish ball cap tilted slightly to the side and a sleek black varsity jacket that hugged his frame.

He shot me a playful smirk, and the glint of his right earring caught the light, adding a touch of swagger to his entrance.

"So, let me get this straight—schools around here actually let boys wear earrings?" I playfully nudged him. He burst into laughter, and the girls erupted with squeals of amusement.

Ashly, my other cousin, shot me a playful grin as she gestured toward Julian. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she twirled her finger around her ear, implying that our cousin was losing it over his newfound taste of fame.

It was a moment filled with laughter and a hint of teasing, perfectly capturing the chaos that can come with chasing after stardom.

I watched as he chatted away with four girls, his words flowing like an endless stream.

They hung on his every syllable, captivated and attentive, almost as if they were enchanted by his charm—like a group of eager puppies listening to their favorite person.

Julian is part of a band that's taken our school by storm, all thanks to my mom's agency. They've become quite the sensation! While he certainly has his looks going for him, he can be equally exasperating at times.

We chuckled, but it was clear that Ian wasn't touched about his fame. There was a certain natural arrogance in him that thrived on the spotlight.

My gaze drifted to the girls nearby, their bodies swaying with anticipation as they pinched their arms together, bubbling with excitement.

I used to think die-hard fans were a rarity, but wow, was I mistaken! They seem to be everywhere, and little did I know that I would join their ranks until that moment when I laid my eyes on him.

It was as if a switch flipped, and suddenly, I was all in!

He lastly stepped into our classroom, an electric guitar slung casually over his back. Our eyes locked for a heartbeat, but then he quickly averted his gaze, as if I were a distant memory he'd rather forget.

After that moment, he didn't glance my way again. Instead, his focus shifted solely to Julian, and they fell into deep conversation, leaving me on the sidelines, curious and unnoticed.

I couldn't help but analyze him as he leaned casually against the chair next to my cousin.

His warm, fair skin seemed to glow, and his messy hair added an effortlessly cool charm.

There was something undeniably attractive about him—his thin, deep, rosy lips smiled invitingly, and his pointed nose and deep brown eyes held a captivating intensity.

Despite his relaxed posture, it was clear he wasn't skinny; I caught a glimpse of defined biceps that hinted at strength beneath his slim yet muscular frame. Dressed in a fitted black shirt and faded jeans, he radiated an air of confidence that was hard to ignore.

He shared a hearty laugh with my cousin, and it caught me off guard. I couldn't help but find myself lost in my thoughts, captivated by the moment—only to suddenly realize I had been staring at him for far too long.

He instinctively bit the hem of his sleek black jacket as he spoke, the action both charming and oddly captivating.

In one fluid motion, he freed the guitar strapped to his back, and I found myself instantly mesmerized by the moment.

With a swift flick, he wore his jacket again before deftly picking up the guitar and sliding the strap around his body, every movement radiating a magnetic energy that drew me in.

"SAR!" Ashly's sudden scream sent a jolt through me, and I nearly leaped out of my skin.

I shot her a piercing look, my eyes narrowing. This better be worth my time, Ash.

"What is it?" I snapped, barely able to contain my irritation..

"I'll call Julian and introduce you to his bandmates. He's such a pain," she huffed, her frustration evident as she turned on her heel and strode off.

With determination, she weaved through the group of girls, zeroing in on Julian and pulled him out.

As they approached, my pulse quickened, and I caught Julian's approving nod. Ashly stepped forward, and I instinctively rose to my feet, smoothing my hair in a nervous gesture.

Why am I nervous anyway? Come on, he's just another attractive guy, after all.

A smile crept across my face as they closed the distance, eager to see where this moment would lead.

"Bros, this is my cousin. Serena Silvan." Said Julian to his bandmates.

They exchanged knowing nods, and the two men extended their hands in a firm greeting.

One stood tall, his height giving him an imposing presence, while the other exuded confidence with his strong, manly posture.

"This is Sam." Julian pointed to the taller one. "And this is Alex." Then he pointed to the guy who had a manly posture.

I accepted their hands and smiled.

"Is she off limits like Ashly, too, Ian?" Sam wiggled his eyebrows and smirked. Alex laughed at Julian.

Julian sneered and didn't answer. They know he's protective. I applaud him for that. The two laughed and gave each other high five.

"This is Noah," Julian said and looked at the guy who I was staring at a minute ago.

He only nodded and looked at my cousin to talk about something else. I silently got disappointed but oh, man. Even his name screams heaven. Alright! I smiled wider.

"I am Serena Sierra Silvan." I reached my hands to Noah.

He nodded and accepted my hand. I felt a spark in our touch, but he immediately removed it when a girl was calling him outside.

"Serena Sierra, huh? Sounds like the sea. But I can call you Sar, right? I don't want to be too formal." Sam giggled and winked at me.

"Uh, yeah." I faked my smile and stared at Noah's broad back. How can an 8th grader achieve a body like that?

Julian and the other boys went to their seats while I was still staring at Noah's back.

"Is that his girlfriend, Ash?" I asked while slowly walking back to my seat.

"Who? Noah? He doesn't have a girlfriend." She said and smiled.

I didn't reply. She pinched my arm which made me look at her. I smirked.

"You like him?" She raised her eyebrows.

"He's quiet and mysterious."

"Oh, girl. It's bad to like someone mysterious. You don't know what's going to happen." She smiled.

"Why?" My eyebrows met, getting curious.

"If Ian's arrogant, he's ten times more arrogant and snobbish." She rolled her eyes and laughed.

I went silent. I just looked at Noah from my seat. Never in my entire life did I have a crush. Even when I'm still in elementary. Although the boys are friendly, I only treat them as my friends or brothers.

But I don't know about this one. It's like I'm so drawn to him from the very beginning.