Fell For You

Knight in Designers Clothes

I've decided to completely dismiss the... incident that happened on Tuesday. I mean, we're too old for games like tag and wrestling in the dirt, right? Right. Probably.

Whatever that was—it doesn't matter. Seth's my best friend, and that's all he's ever been. He's seen every version of me—the messy, moody, "I might throw hands" version—and he still sticks around. I'm not losing him over a dumb moment and a fast heartbeat.

"Okay, correct me if I'm wrong," Seth says, his voice teasing, "but good news: Kristina's fitting in fine. Bad news: you might just be known as 'Kristina's sister' for the rest of high school."

I glance toward her locker. Five people—minimum—hover around her like moths to a flame.

"Both correct," I sigh, slamming my locker shut.

Seth's leaning against his, arms crossed, that calm, smug grin in place like always.

"I guess I just have to adjust," I mutter. "If I act too different, she'll think I'm competing with her. So, I'll just... stand by. Be the supportive sister."

He reaches over and ruffles my hair. "That's my girl."

I shove him, laughing. "I'm not five, idiot."

"Nope. You were just born yesterday, child."

"Touch my hair again and you'll never see Mr. Furgus."

That wipes the grin off his face. His ears pinken as he rubs the back of his neck.

"Pfft. I don't cuddle that dumb teddy anymore."

"Yeah? Well, I have proof. And a witness."

He groans. "Leah?"

"Leah," I confirm with a triumphant hum.

We leave Kristina and her new fan club behind, strolling down the hallway toward the cafeteria. His arm drapes easily around my shoulders, mine around his back. It's normal—always has been—but somehow, it feels... heavier. Like I'm too aware of it.

"So, have you heard from Embry?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "Nope. His mom says he's still sick. Contagious, too."

I bite my lip. "Poor guy. Hope he gets better soon."

Seth glances down at me, grinning. "You're really invested in this whole Kristina–Embry thing, huh?"

"Hey," I say, wagging a finger, "that moment at the beach was not just friendly eye contact. It was destiny."

He laughs. "You're serious about them being a couple."

"Yup." I grin. "I'm a professional matchmaker now."

The day runs smoothly—until last period.

English with Ms. Lionel. Seth's already there, and I'm stuck fighting a possessed locker that refuses to open.

"Ugh. Come on," I hiss, yanking the handle. Nothing. Just a horrible grinding sound.

And then—that voice.

"Well, if it isn't Cavy."

My whole body stiffens. Mandy Klerk.

Of course. The devil has returned.

I keep facing my locker, ignoring her. Big mistake.

"Hey, idiot, turn around when I'm talking to you!" she screeches, digging her claws—literal claws—into my shoulder and yanking me around.

Mandy towers over me, all fake tan and cheap perfume. Her foundation's thick enough to plaster a wall, and her smile is pure venom. Her two minions linger behind her, giggling like hyenas.

"That's better," she coos. "I've missed making your life miserable."

I breathe slowly through my nose. Count to ten, Melody. Don't lose it. Don't go 7th-grade Hulk again.

She slams me against the lockers, the metal clanging behind my skull. Her hands cage me in, and her smirk grows.

"You're nothing but a fake little angel," she sneers. "That 7th-grade stunt was luck. You think you're so perfect."

My pulse thrums hard in my chest. I can feel my old temper clawing up.

She pulls her fist back, eyes burning with delight. I flinch, bracing for impact—

But it never comes.

When I open my eyes, Kristina's there, gripping Mandy's wrist mid-swing. Her gaze could cut steel.

"Parasites like you," Kristina says coolly, "exist in every school. But if you ever touch my sister again, I'll rearrange your face so everyone can finally see how ugly you really are—inside and out."

Her voice doesn't even raise. It's low, steady, terrifying.

Mandy's face twists in pain as Kristina's grip tightens. When she finally lets go, Mandy stumbles back, clutching her wrist, gasping like she's forgotten how to breathe.

"Come on, girls!" she hisses, scurrying off with her minions.

Kristina watches her retreat with that same quiet fire in her eyes. Then she turns to me, her expression softening. "You okay?"

I nod shakily. "Yeah." My voice sounds small. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Leaning against my locker, I exhale. "Thanks. You're officially my new hero. Knight in designer clothes."

Her lips twitch up. "Happy to accept the title... sis."

I grin. "Sisters. I can live with that."

It's the first time I've seen her really smile. A real one—warm, effortless. It feels like something cracks open between us in the best way.

As we walk toward class, I ask, "How'd you even know I was here?"

"Seth," she says simply. "He was worried when you didn't show up right away. Ms. Lionel cornered him about some 'bright future in writing,' so he sent me to check on you instead."

"Oh." The word slips out quieter than I intend. My chest feels strangely light.

He noticed. He cared. He actually couldn't sit still.

A slow smile spreads across my lips.

Maybe Seth Clearwater worries too much.
Or maybe... he just worries about me.