Goddess of Empathy

Enter Nico

Rapunzel's natural curls bounced as she walked down the hallway, her head held high. She didn't even have to try—guys couldn't help but stare when she passed. Today was no different.

Rapunzel loved her style—always on point. Today, she wore a cropped yellow top that perfectly contrasted her smooth, honey-toned skin. Paired with her ripped high-waisted jeans and those fresh white sneakers, she was turning heads.

As she passed a group of guys, she caught their whispers. "Yo, she's bad." "Man, I'd love to take her out."

She smirked to herself, keeping her cool, until one voice stood out. "Yeah, she's cute, but I bet her attitude's even louder than that hair."

That voice... it was deeper, sarcastic, and annoyingly smooth.

She turned to see who dared comment on her hair. Standing at the lockers was Nico, tall and dark-skinned, rocking a clean pair of black joggers, fresh kicks, and a hoodie that hung just right. His dreads were pulled back, but a few strands escaped, giving him that perfect 'effortless cool' look. His eyes locked onto hers, a hint of amusement dancing behind them.

"Got something to say about my hair, huh?" Rapunzel crossed her arms, cocking her head to the side, challenging him.

Nico leaned against the locker, unfazed. "Nah, I'm just saying, curls like that gotta come with a whole lotta sass." He grinned, his smile almost disarming, but not enough to cool the fire she felt rising.

"Oh, don't worry. I've got plenty of sass for you." She walked closer, her words playful but sharp, as her curls bounced with every step.

Before Nico could respond, one of the guys in the group stepped forward. "Hey, Rapunzel, you doing anything after school? I was thinking maybe we could—"

She cut him off with a quick smile and a wave. "Thanks, but I'm busy. Maybe next time." She didn't even have to lie; turning down guys was becoming a daily routine.

But Nico wasn't like the rest. He was leaning back now, watching her, his smirk widening. "You busy ignoring people or just out here making everyone fall in love?"

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the grin tugging at her lips. "Only the ones who don't know how to mind their business."

Nico chuckled, stepping forward. "So, what if I told you I'm about to make your business mine?"

Her eyes narrowed playfully. "What, you gonna buy me lunch or something?"

Without missing a beat, he reached into his bag and pulled out a neatly wrapped sandwich. "Already ahead of you, princess. Turkey club, extra pickles. Figured you looked like a girl with taste."

Rapunzel blinked, half-surprised but mostly amused. "Okay, you might've just saved yourself."

Nico handed her the sandwich, his fingers brushing against hers. "Good, 'cause I wasn't planning on letting you starve."