Tram Girl Middle School

Her eyes

My life's a routine: middle school, home, repeat. Weekends? Just a grocery run for the week ahead and back to my four walls. But today is Monday, the one day that's different. I'm up early, washing up and making breakfast. I actually like going to school—it's the only place where I can sort of interact with people. I know, I know... I'm a bit of a nerd. Okay, maybe more than a bit.

I throw on a white T-shirt and baggy jeans, tying up my long hair. Yeah, I know, a boy with long hair isn't typical, but it means a lot to me. Before she passed away, my mother told me that my hair was beautiful and that I should keep growing it. So, I did.

Realizing I'm running late, I dash to catch the tram, praying I don't miss it. I slip inside just in time and spot an open seat in a four-seater. Perfect. As I settle in, I notice the people sitting across from me—a guy and a girl—are arguing. From what I gather, he called her sister fat, and now she's staring daggers at him. No, seriously, her eyes look like they're capable of murder. I shiver, not from the cold, but from the intensity of her gaze. Her sister must know how to defuse these situations because she leans in and whispers something, and like magic, the girl's rage dissipates.

We accidentally lock eyes. My heart skips a beat. I quickly look away, pretending to be very interested in... nothing in particular. A few moments pass, and I steal another glance. She's still staring—straight at me, like she's trying to read my mind. Why's she looking at me? I finally muster the courage and ask, "Um... excuse me, but why are you staring at me?"

To my surprise, she breaks into a stunning smile. "I've never seen a guy with such beautiful long hair," she says, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "I think I'm falling for you."

Before I can even process what's happening, her sister groans. "Not again. Don't listen to her—she falls for every guy with long hair," she tells me with a smirk. "Young man, be careful."

"SISTER!" the girl protests. "I'm serious this time. He's special!"

I just sit there, speechless. What do you even say to that? I stare blankly out the window until my stop comes, and I quickly get off, still reeling from the strange encounter. Her words keep replaying in my mind as I walk. Short hair, a wolf cut, and a face dotted with tiny moles... she's beautiful in a wild, untamed way.

Lost in thought, I find myself at the gates of my middle school. Oh, right, I'm still in middle school, but I live alone. Why? Well, both of my parents passed away a few years ago, and my relatives decided they wanted nothing to do with me. They left me alone when they realized I didn't inherit anything valuable. Well, I did, but it's tied up in legal nonsense until I turn 18. So, they send me money every month, and I live by myself. But that's a story for another day.

Today's classes end early because our teacher's out sick. I'm heading home alone, like usual. Despite my love for school, I don't have any friends. Everyone thinks I'm weird—just a quiet guy with freakishly long hair. They don't bully me, but it's like I'm invisible to them. My social skills are pretty much non-existent, so I guess it's partly my fault too.

As I'm walking back, I notice someone familiar. It's the girl from the tram. Wait... does she go to the same school as me? I stare in shock as she catches my gaze and flashes that playful smile again.

"Handsome prince," she calls out, "shall I walk you home?"