(Before you guys hate me yes, it's just the same as the movie on ReelShort just a tad different)
Ere'ana Daniels adjusted her glasses as she walked down the hallway of Out Ridge High School. Her blonde hair was pulled into a neat ponytail, and her blazer fit perfectly over her spotless uniform. Everything about her screamed "perfect student"—top of the class, never missed a day, and, of course, *class president*.
But the perfection didn't stop the whispers.
"Look at her. She thinks she's so much better than everyone else," sneered Ava, the captain of the volleyball team, loud enough for Ere'ana to hear.
A chorus of laughter followed from Ava's loyal crew: Kara, May, Amber, Ruby, and Alia. They were the queens of the volleyball court—and, unfortunately for Ere'ana, they seemed to think the hallways were just another court to dominate.
Ere'ana ignored them, her grip tightening on her books. She'd learned the hard way that standing up to them only made things worse.
"Keep walking, *Prez,*" Ava taunted, leaning against her locker with a smug smirk. "Wouldn't want your little followers to see you cry."
Ere'ana kept her head high as she passed by, but inside, her blood boiled. She didn't cry. She never cried—at least, not where anyone could see.
As if the volleyball team wasn't enough, the hallway parted like the Red Sea as *he* walked in. Kikidori Fontaine.
The rich kid. The untouchable. The *asshole.*
With perfectly styled black hair, designer shoes, and a devil-may-care grin, Kikidori oozed confidence. His family owned half the town, including the land the school was built on, and he made sure everyone knew it.
"Hey, Prez," Kikidori called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Still trying to save the world one student council meeting at a time?"
Ere'ana froze for a second before plastering on her best fake smile. "Not that it's any of your business, Kikidori, but yes."
His grin widened, and he sauntered closer. "You know, for someone so *perfect,* you sure are boring. Maybe you should lighten up. Have some fun for once."
"Fun like you?" she shot back. "What's that, crashing your dad's sports car again?"
A low "ooooh" echoed through the hallway, followed by laughter. Kikidori's smirk faltered for a split second before he leaned in closer, his voice low enough so only she could hear.
"Careful, Daniels. You might think you're untouchable, but I could crush you without breaking a sweat."
Her stomach churned, but she didn't let him see her flinch. "Funny. I was just thinking the same thing about you."
The bell rang, and Ere'ana took her chance to escape, walking as fast as she could to her next class.
The restaurant was packed, as usual. Ere'ana wore the standard black apron and white blouse, her hair tucked into a low bun. It wasn't glamorous, but it paid just enough to keep the lights on at home.
Her father's surgery was going to cost more than she'd ever dreamed of making. Brain surgery wasn't cheap, and the stress of it all kept her up at night.
"Hey, sweetheart," a middle-aged man at one of the tables leered as she approached. "Why don't you smile for me, huh?"
She clenched her jaw but forced a polite smile. "What can I get for you tonight, sir?"
"Oh, I can think of a few things," he said, his eyes raking over her.
Bile rose in her throat, but she kept her face neutral. She couldn't afford to lose this job, no matter how disgusting some of the customers were.
As she scribbled down his order, she heard the chime of the front door. When she looked up, her heart dropped.
Kikidori.
He strolled into the restaurant like he owned the place, which, for all she knew, he probably did. Ere'ana quickly ducked behind the counter, praying he wouldn't see her.
Of course, luck wasn't on her side.
"Well, well, well," his voice rang out. "Ere'ana Daniels, class president, working at *this* dump? What a plot twist."
She straightened up, fixing him with a glare. "What are you doing here, Kikidori?"
"Grabbing dinner, obviously," he said, sliding into a booth. "Didn't expect to get a free side of *entertainment.*"
Her fists clenched at her sides. "If you're just here to harass me, leave."
"Relax, Prez," he said, smirking. "I'll tip you. Generously, even. If you're nice to me."
The humiliation burned in her chest, but she had no choice.
"Fine," she muttered, grabbing her notepad. "What do you want?"
He leaned back, his smirk turning into a full-blown grin. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, Prez. You'll find out."
End of Chapter 1