Books, K-dramas, movies—my life has always revolved around romance. I've spent years immersed in stories of one-sided love, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers. I've obsessed over every possible way to fall in love, yet I've never experienced it myself. But even without my own romance, I know what I want: my very own Prince Charming.
And I know exactly who he is.
Emmett Pierce.
It's my senior year, with only three months until graduation, and as I head to my favorite class—AP English Literature—I can't help but hope for another chance to see him. I slide into my usual seat at the back of the room and watch as the rest of the students file in. Then I see him.
Emmett's smile lights up the entire room, and my heart skips a beat. He's sitting in the middle row with his jock friends surrounding him. Leaning back in his chair, he listens to their banter, his black, wavy hair falling perfectly across his forehead. His dark eyes stand out against his pale skin, making him look like he stepped straight out of one of my favorite manhwa romances.
He's wearing a crisp white polo that hugs his athletic build, paired with dark denim jeans. Everything about him screams perfection, from his confidence to the way he carries himself. He's the definition of untouchable, yet I can't stop myself from dreaming.
The bell rings, and Mr. Wesley leans against his old desk, his usual smirk in place. "Alright, class. The end-of-year project is finally here. But this time, we're doing things a little differently. No groups—just pairs."
Groans ripple through the room, followed by laughter as a guy near Emmett jokes, "How are we supposed to cheat if we're in pairs?"
The class erupts, and even I can't help but smile.
"Glad you asked," Mr. Wesley replies, unfazed. "This year, the project will require personal contributions from both partners. So, no free rides."
From the front row, a girl twirls her hair and smirks at Emmett. "I want to be partnered with him," she says, her voice dripping with flirtation.
The room explodes with teasing "oohs" and laughter, and Emmett leans forward, grinning. "I wouldn't mind that, sweetheart," he says in a low, teasing voice.
"Silence!" Mr. Wesley cuts in, shaking his head. "I'll be assigning the pairs."
The energy in the room shifts as he starts reading names from a list. My heart pounds in anticipation.
"Avery with Gianna. Carter with Christa. Kyle with Dyfelian..."
And then it happens.
"Emmett Pierce and Tasha Hill."
My stomach flips. Did he just say my name? My palms go clammy, and my heart feels like it might burst. I can barely breathe.
After Mr. Wesley finishes, the bell rings, and students begin exchanging numbers with their partners. Emmett stands, weaving through the rows of desks until he's standing right in front of me.
He's even more perfect up close.
"So," he starts, his voice smooth but slightly annoyed, "I'm failing this class, and Mr. Wesley told me this project is my last chance to pass. I need an A."
I nod, somehow managing to keep my voice steady. "Then we'll work together to get you that A."
His lips quirk into a half-smile. "Give me your phone."
I fumble to pull out my hot pink phone and hand it to him. His rough hands move quickly as he types, and then he hands it back to me.
"I'll text you later," he says before turning and heading toward the door.
I sit there, stunned, as the world moves around me. Did that really just happen?
After class, I retreat to my usual spot in the library, a quiet corner in the back where I can eat my lunch and read in peace. I sit on the floor against a bookshelf, opening my worn-out book and unpacking my food.
But today, I can't focus. My thoughts keep drifting back to Emmett. Was this my chance? Could I actually get him to notice me—not just as his project partner but as someone he could care about?
My daydreams are interrupted when someone's face suddenly appears in front of mine. I yelp, smacking my head against the bookshelf.
"Connor!" I shriek, glaring at my older brother.
"Relax, sis," he says, grinning as he plops down beside me. "What's up?"
"Don't sneak up on me like that!" I hiss, rubbing the back of my head.
Behind him, my best friend Milton appears, shaking his head. "I tried to stop him, but brothers will be brothers."
I sigh, letting it go. "What do you two want?"
Milton sits beside me and frowns. "Bad news. That book signing you've been dying to go to? It's sold out."
"What?!" I whisper-shout, horrified. "I've been waiting a whole year for this!"
Connor chuckles. "Should've gotten your tickets earlier, sis."
I glare at him, and he takes the hint, getting up to leave.
"Sorry," Milton says, looking genuinely sympathetic.
"You tried," I mumble, nibbling on my sandwich.
Then a thought hits me, and I grab Milton's arm, grinning. "Guess what happened today!"
Milton raises an eyebrow. "What?"
"Emmett Pierce is my project partner for Mr. Wesley's class!"
His skeptical look turns into a smirk. "So, your forever crush is now going to be around you almost 24/7?"
I nod excitedly, barely able to contain my glee.
"This would be great if you could actually talk to him," Milton teases.
"I did talk to him!" I protest.
"One sentence doesn't count," he says, patting my cheek. "You're shy, Tasha, and I love that about you. But let's be real—you only talk to me and your brother. How are you going to get the Emmett Pierce to date you? He's... well, you know... Emmett."
I frown. "He's not a player; he just... has options."
Milton shakes his head. "Alright, dreamer. Just don't get your hopes up too high."
Later that night, after dinner and an hour of reading, I lie in bed staring at the ceiling. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I grab it, my heart racing when I see the text.
Unknown Number: Come to my house Saturday at 2 PM.
-Emmett
I clutch the phone to my chest, a giddy smile spreading across my face. This might just be the start of my own fairytale.