Reckless Charms (New Boy from Juvie)

Shattered Bonds

The school parking lot bustled with students arriving, their chatter and footsteps echoing through the crisp morning air. Luna Whitaker, stepping out of her luxury car, adjusted her blazer with practiced precision. Her face, while composed, betrayed a flicker of anxiety as she walked towards the school entrance.

Max Harper, already waiting by the entrance, approached her with a deep sigh. His usual calm demeanor was replaced with a look of concern.

Max: (reaching out to her) "Luna, we need to talk."

Luna: (her eyes downcast, struggling to maintain her poise) "I know, Max. I didn't mean for things to get so out of hand."

Max: (softly) "You hurt Cleo. She's one of us, Luna. We were supposed to be a team. You can't just push her away like that."

Luna's lips trembled, and she looked away, hiding the pain in her eyes.

Luna: (voice wavering) "I... I was just trying to protect our reputation. It's not that simple."

Max sighed deeply, his expression softening. He pulled Luna into a gentle hug.

Max: "I get that, but Cleo's our friend too. We need to find a way to balance things, not tear each other apart."

Luna nodded into his shoulder, trying to steady her emotions.

Luna: (muttering) "I didn't want any of this to happen. I'm sorry."

As Max comforted her, Cleo watched from inside her car, her face flushed with hurt and frustration. She gripped the seat feeling a pang of betrayal.

Cleo: (muttering to herself) "Max always sides with Luna. It's like I was never part of the equation. He and Luna are always a team, while I'm left on the sidelines."

Her thoughts drifted back to various moments of exclusion. Flashbacks played out vividly in her mind.

Flashback 1: Classroom

The teacher had assigned a duo project, and Cleo had hoped to be paired with her friends. But as Luna and Max exchanged glances and giggles, they quickly chose each other.

Teacher: "Cleo, you can find someone else to work with. Max and Luna are already a team."

Max: (playfully) "Come on, Cleo. Don't worry, you'll find someone. You're too pretty to be left out."

Luna: (laughing) "Yeah, you'll have no trouble at all."

Flashback 2: Library

Cleo had been searching for a quiet spot to study, only to find Luna and Max already there, deep in conversation. They looked up and exchanged glances, their smiles making Cleo feel like an outsider.

Luna: (to Max, whispering) "Look, Cleo's here. She can find another spot."

Max: (smiling) "Yeah, we'll just save this spot for ourselves."

Flashback 3: Café

At a casual café hangout, Cleo had been excited to join Luna and Max. However, they seemed more engaged with each other, and Cleo felt like a third wheel.

Max: (jokingly) "Cleo, you always make these outings more fun. But today, Luna and I have some catching up to do."

Luna: (nodding) "Yeah, maybe next time."