Trust in Her Tricks

Chapter One: First Impressions

Maplewood High buzzed with the usual morning energy, students hustling to their lockers before the first bell. Among them was Eris, a familiar figure known for her playful pranks and love for all things delicious. But those who really knew her saw more than just the mischief in her eyes—they saw the kindness she always carried with her.

Today, she had her sights set on Ethan. He was the quiet type, always on the fringes, as if he preferred to be unseen. Something about him intrigued her, though, and not just because he seemed like an easy target for one of her harmless pranks. There was a sadness in his eyes that Eris couldn't ignore, and it made her curious.

With a grin, Eris slipped a note into Ethan's locker. It was nothing too elaborate, just a playful message from a "secret admirer," suggesting a meeting at lunchtime in the courtyard. Eris had thought long and hard about this one. She didn't want to embarrass him—just to see that rare smile she was sure he had hidden somewhere.

Ethan walked down the hall, his usual guarded expression in place. When he opened his locker and the note fluttered to the ground, he hesitated before picking it up. His brow furrowed as he read it, and a mix of confusion and curiosity flashed across his face. A secret admirer? It had to be a joke. But still, his heart beat a little faster.

Eris watched from a distance, her grin fading as she observed his reaction. She hadn't meant to throw him off like that. Her pranks were supposed to be fun, not unsettling. As Ethan folded the note and put it in his pocket, Eris found herself hoping he'd take it in stride, maybe even be a little flattered.

The morning dragged on for Ethan, the note burning a hole in his pocket. He couldn't focus in class, his thoughts returning to the mysterious admirer. He wasn't the type of guy who got notes like this—he knew that much. So why did it feel like something more than just a prank? And why did he keep thinking of Eris, with her mischievous smile and eyes that seemed to see right through him?

Lunchtime arrived, and Ethan found himself heading toward the courtyard, the note still crumpled in his hand. He scanned the area, his heart pounding in his chest. But as he stood there, waiting for something—anything—to happen, the reality began to sink in. No one approached him. The courtyard was just as busy as always, but he felt alone.

From her spot near the entrance, Eris watched Ethan's shoulders slump. Guilt gnawed at her. This wasn't how she wanted things to go. Maybe she should have just left him alone today. The thought that she might have hurt him, even unintentionally, didn't sit well with her.

The rest of the day, Ethan couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. He kept replaying the moment in his head, wondering who could have sent the note and why. His mind kept drifting back to Eris, but the thought of her actually caring enough to play a prank on him was hard to believe. He wasn't used to anyone paying that much attention to him.

When the final bell rang, Ethan trudged back to his locker, feeling more drained than usual. As he gathered his things, he noticed Eris standing nearby, chatting with a friend. She glanced his way and offered a small, almost shy smile. It wasn't the mischievous grin he'd expected—it was softer, almost as if she was... worried?

Ethan hesitated, then decided to approach her. His heart pounded as he walked up to her, unsure of what to say. Before he could open his mouth, Eris turned to him, her expression a mix of guilt and concern.

"Hey, Ethan," she said, her voice gentler than he'd ever heard it. "Did you get my note?"

So it was her. Ethan nodded slowly, his mind racing. "Yeah, I did."

Eris bit her lip, looking genuinely sorry. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just thought... I don't know. I wanted to see you smile, I guess. I hope it wasn't too much."

Ethan was caught off guard by her honesty. The sincerity in her eyes disarmed him, and for the first time, he didn't feel like she was just playing around. "It's okay," he replied, his voice softer now. "I just... wasn't expecting it."

Eris nodded, relief washing over her features. "Next time, I'll try to think of something less... surprising." She offered him a small smile, and this time, Ethan found himself smiling back, a real smile.

As they parted ways, Ethan couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest. Maybe Eris wasn't just the prankster everyone thought she was. And maybe, just maybe, there was more to their interactions than met the eye.