PART 1

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It was another bustling morning at Rosewood High, and Luella was in full-on storm mode

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It was another bustling morning at Rosewood High, and Luella was in full-on storm mode. She had just finished tying her shoes, brushed her hair, and was about to head out the door when she noticed the clock. Late again.

She rushed out of her locker, grabbing her books, and pushed through the crowded hallway with surprising speed for someone so short. Luella hated being late — it made her feel all out of control, and she much preferred to start her day on her own terms.

As she turned the corner to head toward her next class, disaster struck.

"Whoops!"

A loud thud echoed as Luella collided headfirst into something—or rather, someone. She stumbled backward, her books flying out of her arms. She felt a pair of hands catch her before she could hit the floor, and the smell of mint gum filled her nostrils.

"Watch where you're going, Luella," came a familiar voice — Maxuel. Of course.

Her cheeks burned as she straightened herself up, trying to gather her fallen books while glaring at him. Maxuel stood there, looking entirely unbothered, as if she wasn’t in the middle of a mini crisis.

"Maxuel," she huffed, shooting him a look that could have melted steel. "Are you trying to give me a concussion or just ruin my entire day?"

Maxuel grinned, the kind of smile that always made her blood pressure spike. "I was just trying to help. You know, seeing as you're so tiny, I didn't want you to get lost in the crowd."

Her eyes narrowed. "I’m not *that* short," she snapped, standing as tall as she could, which wasn’t very tall at all.

Maxuel’s grin widened. "You’re a whole five-foot bundle of fury," he teased, reaching down to help her with her books, though Luella wasn’t entirely sure he was doing it out of kindness. "But you really should be careful. You might get trampled."

Luella felt her fists clench. "You’re one inch taller than me," she muttered, not bothering to hide her annoyance. "You don’t get to call me short."

Maxuel took a dramatic step back, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Oh, I didn’t mean to upset the angry little firecracker," he said, voice dripping with amusement. "Wouldn’t want to unleash your temper on me." He was practically smirking now.

Her face turned redder, her temper beginning to boil. "I swear, Maxuel, one of these days, you’re going to push me too far."

Maxuel raised an eyebrow. "You already look like you’re about to snap, Luella. Take a deep breath. You’re cute when you’re mad."

Luella’s eyes flickered dangerously as she glared at him. “Cute? I’m not cute, Maxuel. And I’m not mad.”

"Oh, you’re mad, alright. And it’s adorable," he chuckled, winking. "Anyway, I’ll leave you to your fury, but if you need help reaching the top shelf in the library, I’m your guy."

Luella shot him a final glare as she stormed off, her heart pounding in her chest. Maxuel may have been teasing, but she was not going to let him get the best of her. Not today. Not ever.

Yet, as she turned the corner, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. He was so infuriating... and yet, she almost couldn't wait to see what he'd do next.

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