NINA
After three more classes, it was finally lunchtime. I went straight to my locker to drop off my books.
I was tired and starving, to say the least. It was only the first day of senior year, and I already felt completely drained. As I approached the cafeteria doors, I hesitated, considering whether I should just ditch and hide behind the bleachers I'd seen this morning—or maybe retreat to the library instead. The idea of being surrounded by so many people made my chest tighten.
Taking a deep breath and counting to five, I pushed open the double doors and stepped inside. The cafeteria was alive with chatter and laughter. Jocks, cheerleaders, nerds, geeks—you name it. It was like a miniature world divided into tribes, each knowing exactly where they belonged. But me? Where did I fit in? Where did I belong?
"Nina!"
I flinched, my name cutting through the noise like a fire alarm. My eyes scanned the room until I spotted Gracie waving enthusiastically from a corner table. She looked almost frantic, motioning for me to join her. As I made my way over, I noticed there were five people at the table, including the mysterious boy from class.
My hands grew clammy as my gaze landed on him. He terrified me, though I wasn't sure why. A cheerleader sat perched on his lap, and they looked like they were mere seconds away from devouring each other's faces. The thought made me cringe.
When I reached the table, Gracie pulled me down into the seat beside her, positioning me directly across from the couple who seemed one step away from ripping each other's clothes off.
"Hey guys, meet Nina, our new transfer student," Gracie announced, her voice bright as she introduced me to her friends.
"Hi, guys," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. I rubbed my clammy hands against my legs, feeling my heart race. I was so nervous. (Come on, Nina! You can't talk like that—they'll think you're some scared little girl!)
"Sup, hot stuff," said the boy sitting to my left. His smirk spread across his chiseled face, and the mop of brown hair on his head nearly covered his eyes. He was undeniably good-looking.
Malik, sitting beside Gracie, gave me a nod and a friendly smile. Meanwhile, the cheerleader was staring daggers at me, her annoyance palpable. And Zane? He didn't even bother acknowledging me.
"Come on, let's go get lunch, Nina," Gracie said, pulling on my arm.
"And who said you could sit here?" a deep, angry voice growled from across the table.
"I did," Gracie shot back. "She's my friend, and I want her here."
"Well, I don't," Zane said, his tone cold. "And you better get this straight, Gracie—I make the rules around here, and I say she gets lost!"
"Easy, man. Don't talk to my girl like that," Malik interjected, pulling Gracie protectively closer.
"Whatever," Zane muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Didn't you hear what he said, freak? Or are you just going to sit there acting stupid?" the cheerleader sneered, her face twisted with disdain.
My lips trembled. "I'm so sorry. I'll just leave," I whispered. Turning to Gracie, I said, "It's okay. I'll just go to the library to grab some books." Before she could protest, I was already walking away.
Outside the cafeteria, my eyes stung and my throat ached from holding back tears. I was seconds away from crying. God, why am I so weak? It was only the first day of school, and I already felt like garbage. I hate it here.
When I reached the library, an elderly man, probably in his late fifties, was seated at the front desk.
"Oh, hello, dear. What can I do for you?"
"Good day, Mr. Lin," I said, glancing at his name tag. "I'd like to borrow these books and study here for a while." I handed him a piece of paper with the titles I needed.
"Of course. To your right, in the second wing, you'll find what you're looking for, dear."
"Thank you so much," I replied, heading toward the shelves.
After picking out Pride and Prejudice and Lord of the Flies, I scanned the shelves for the last book on my list. Unfortunately, it was on the top shelf, completely out of my reach.
Ugh, how am I supposed to get that? I thought, chewing on my lip.
"Let me," a husky voice said behind me. A veiny, slender hand reached up, easily grabbing the book and holding it out to me.
Turning around, I found myself face-to-face with piercing blue eyes framed by thick brows. His sharp jawline and full lips were almost unreal. His dark brown hair, slightly trimmed on the sides, was charmingly messy, like he'd just rolled out of bed.
"Take a picture—it'll last longer, Angel," he teased, smirking.
Mortified that I'd been caught staring, I stammered, "Th-thanks for getting this down for me." I tried to hide my burning cheeks behind my hair.
"No need to be shy now, Angel. You can stare all you want," he said, his grin widening.
"The name's Luke. What's yours?" he asked, handing me the book while his gaze roamed over my face.
"Nina," I replied.
"Nice name for a pretty girl. I'm guessing you're new here?"
"Yes. I transferred during the summer."
"Cool. I'll see you around, Angel, but I've got to run."
Blushing at the nickname, I nodded. "Okay. Thanks again for this," I said, lifting the book slightly.
"No problem, Angel." With that, he walked away.
AFTER SCHOOL
The classroom was eerily quiet, with just Zane and me left. We'd been paired for a group project, and I was already dreading the next month.
I sat stiffly at my desk, my notebook open and pen tapping nervously against the page. Zane, on the other hand, lounged in the chair next to me, arms crossed, his leather jacket exuding rebellion. His smirk screamed trouble.
"With this being your first day here, you had to be everywhere," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "I've had to put up with your ugly face wherever I turned. And now," he sneered, "I'm stuck with you for this stupid project for a whole month."
Despite his godlike face, his personality was unbearable.
"So, Princess," Zane drawled, the nickname sounding almost mocking. "What's the plan? You do the work, and I show up for the grade? Sounds fair to me."
I stiffened but kept my eyes on my notebook. My voice was soft but steady. "If you don't want to work, fine. But I'm not doing everything for you. We need to do at least some of it together."
That made him sit up, surprise flickering in his dark eyes. "Oh, feisty. Didn't think you had it in you." He leaned closer, invading my space.
I flinched slightly but held my ground. "Don't tell me you're actually going to make me work for it," he taunted.
Finally, I looked at him, my anxiety clear in the way I fidgeted with my pen, but I didn't look away.
"I'm not scared of you," I said, my gaze unwavering.
For a moment, he said nothing, studying my face. Then something shifted in his eyes.
"Not scared of me, huh?" He smirked, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You should be, Princess. I could ruin you."
After a beat, he leaned back. "Come find me after school tomorrow so we can go over it."
With that, he stood up and walked out, leaving me surprised and a little shaken.
"God, please help me," I whispered, wrapping my arms around myself.