Behind the Facade | Vittorio, baby

Old friends

Isabella's POV:

Junior year starts, and I'm already feeling the weight of it. I walk into school with a mix of dread and determination. I honestly didn't plan to come back after the shit pulled last year. I wish everyone would move on, but the stares I get as I walk by make it clear that's not the case.

The hallways are alive with chatter, and I'm at my locker, trying to focus on my textbooks. I see Vittorio in the distance, surrounded by his usual entourage, laughing and talking loudly, and I can't help but feel out of place. Vittorio's presence is almost magnetic, pulling my attention despite my efforts to stay focused.

When our eyes meet briefly, I catch a glimpse of that familiar look he used to give me, and for a moment, I'm reminded of how things used to be. But just as quickly, I'm off again, engaging with my friends, Chiara, Fabio and Camila, and I'm left feeling like an outsider looking in.

Throughout the day, I see Vittorio in the background - always lively, always surrounded by people.
No matter how much I try to concentrate on my studies or the small conversations I'm having with my friends, I can't ignore the feeling that there's something missing.
I know exactly what it is.

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Vittorio's pov:

Junior year, here I come. I walk into school with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. New year, same old routine.

The hallways buzz with chatter, and the clamour of lockers slamming shut. I weave through the crowd, grinning and exchanging high-fives with my friends-Niccolò, Brando, Carlo, Virginia, etc. My attention, however, keeps drifting towards Isabella, who's talking to Chiara, Camila and that dude Fabio. I'm surprised that she's back after last year's incident.
Our eyes meet for a split second, and I catch a glimpse of that familiar spark from the past. But before I can say anything, she looks away, lost in her own world.

My friends and I are caught up in the latest gossip and plans. Niccolò's bragging about his weekend escapades, Brando's showing off his new collection of w€ed, Carlo's talking about the next big party, and Virginia and her girls adding their two cents to every conversation. Their energy is infectious, but amidst all this, I can't shake the feeling that something is missing.

Throughout the day, I catch sight of Isabella here and there-- always in the background, always seeming distant. It's as if there's an invisible wall between us, and no amount of charm seems to break through.

I understand that we've drifted apart, but I owe her an apology. I need to explain everything to her, but I'm unsure how to approach it. She avoids making eye contact with me and might not be willing to listen, which I can't really blame her for.