The sun streamed through the tall windows of Clearwater High, casting golden rays onto the polished floors. Anna adjusted the strap of her canvas bag and walked toward her locker, her brown hair catching the light in soft waves. She was always early to school, savoring the quiet moments before the hallways became a sea of noise and hurried footsteps.
"Morning, Anna!" a familiar voice called out. Turning, she smiled as her best friend, Lily, approached, her bright blonde ponytail bouncing. Lily always had an energy about her that contrasted with Anna's quiet, sweet nature.
"Hey, Lily," Anna said, her blue eyes lighting up. "You're here early for once."
Lily rolled her eyes dramatically. "Don't get used to it. I only made it because Dad practically shoved me out the door. Something about 'responsibility' and 'not missing the bus.'"
Anna laughed, the sound light and unassuming, as they walked together to their lockers. She liked the way Lily could make anything feel less overwhelming. School wasn't bad, but for someone like Anna—reserved and a little shy—it could sometimes feel like a maze she wasn't meant to navigate.
As they chatted, the first wave of students flooded the hall. Jocks in letterman jackets, groups of friends sharing TikToks, and the occasional overachiever balancing an impossible stack of books. The hum of conversation grew louder, punctuated by the occasional locker slam or laugh.
"Ugh, I forgot my English book," Lily groaned, leaning dramatically against her locker. "Can I share with you?"
Anna nodded without hesitation. "Of course."
"Sweet, you're the best," Lily said, draping an arm over Anna's shoulder. "Not that Mrs. Gardner would even notice. I swear she's more interested in her romance novels than teaching us Shakespeare."
Anna smiled again, but her attention wandered as she caught sight of something—or someone—down the hall. A boy with dark hair and a quiet, thoughtful demeanor leaned against the wall, flipping through a worn paperback. She didn't recognize him, and something about his presence felt... out of place.
"Earth to Anna?" Lily waved a hand in front of her face. "You okay?"
"Oh, sorry," Anna said quickly, tearing her gaze away. "I was just... distracted."
Lily glanced down the hall, following her line of sight. "Ooooh, new kid alert! Do I sense a crush forming?"
"What? No!" Anna's cheeks flushed a deep pink. "I was just wondering who he is."
Lily smirked knowingly but didn't press the issue. The warning bell rang, and the two hurried off to class, but Anna couldn't shake the feeling that the boy was more than just another face in the crowd.
As she slid into her usual seat by the window, Anna glanced outside, her thoughts drifting. The day had only just begun, but something told her it wouldn't be as ordinary as the rest.
The classroom was already buzzing with the usual pre-class chatter. Anna placed her bag on the floor and pulled out her notebook, trying to focus on the neatly written notes from the previous lesson. Lily plopped into the seat beside her with a dramatic sigh, resting her chin in her hand.
"Okay, spill," Lily whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. "Who is he, and why are you blushing so hard?"
"I'm not blushing," Anna muttered, tucking a strand of her brown hair behind her ear.
"Oh, please. Your face is like a neon sign," Lily teased. "Come on, tell me. You've never looked at a guy like that before."
Anna shook her head, keeping her eyes on the front of the classroom. "I don't even know him. He just seemed... different."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Different how? Like, mysterious-bad-boy different? Or secretly-an-undercover-prince different?"
Anna laughed softly, but before she could answer, Mrs. Gardner strode into the room, clutching a copy of Romeo and Juliet.
"Good morning, everyone," Mrs. Gardner said in her usual no-nonsense tone. "Settle down, please. Open your books to Act II. Let's see if we can finally understand why Juliet would throw her life away for someone she just met."
As the class groaned in unison, Anna opened her textbook and tried to push the thought of the boy out of her mind. But it wasn't so easy. Something about the quiet confidence in the way he stood, the intent focus on his
