Hosie~ One Shots

The Bet That Changed Everything

The first day of junior year at Mystic Falls High was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Students filled the hallways, catching up after the summer break. Among the crowd, Hope Mikaelson walked hand-in-hand with her boyfriend, Landon Kirby. They were known as the school's power couple, their relationship the subject of envy and admiration.

Landon leaned in closer to Hope, his voice low and filled with curiosity. "Did you hear about the new girl?"

Hope raised an eyebrow. "No, who?"

"Her name's Josie Saltzman. She just moved here from Portland. She's supposed to be really smart and kind of shy," Landon said, pointing subtly towards a girl standing nervously by her locker.

Hope followed his gaze and saw Josie. She had long, dark hair and a quiet demeanor that made her stand out. There was something about her that piqued Hope's interest.

"You should say hi to her," Landon suggested. "She looks like she could use a friend."

Hope smirked, considering the idea. "Maybe I will."

During lunch, Hope and Landon sat with their friends, the conversation shifting to the new girl.

"She seems nice," Landon remarked casually. "Kind of cute, too."

Hope's eyes narrowed slightly. "You think she's cute?"

Landon chuckled. "Not as cute as you, obviously. But I bet she'd fall for you in a heartbeat."

Hope raised an eyebrow, a challenge flickering in her eyes. "You think so?"

Landon grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. "How about this: I bet you can't make her fall for you."

Hope leaned back, a smirk playing on her lips. "And if I do?"

"If you do," Landon said, leaning closer, "I'll do whatever you want for a week. But if you fail, you have to do whatever I want."

Hope's competitive spirit flared. "Deal."

Over the next few days, Hope observed Josie, looking for the right moment to approach her. She found it one afternoon in the library, where Josie was sitting alone, engrossed in a book.

Hope walked over and sat down at the table. "Hey, mind if I join you?"

Josie looked up, surprised. "Oh, um, sure. Go ahead."

"I'm Hope," she said, offering a friendly smile. "You're Josie, right?"

Josie nodded, her shyness apparent. "Yeah, that's me."

"What are you reading?" Hope asked, genuinely curious.

Josie showed her the cover. "It's a fantasy novel. I love getting lost in different worlds."

Hope's smile widened. "Me too. There's something magical about escaping reality, isn't there?"

Josie's eyes lit up. "Exactly! Most people don't get it."

They spent the next hour talking about books, discovering they had a lot in common. By the end of their conversation, Hope felt a genuine connection forming.

Over the next few weeks, Hope and Josie grew closer. They spent time together both in and out of school, and it became clear that Josie was developing feelings for Hope. What surprised Hope was that she was starting to feel the same way.

One evening, they sat together on a bench in the park, watching the sunset.

"Thanks for being my friend," Josie said softly. "Moving here has been really hard, but you've made it a lot easier."