The Fatal Flaw | LT

V

Makeup was never my strong suit. A few swipes of mascara, a hint of lipstick—done. My hair? Barely touched, just fluffed after a half-hearted blow-dry. My reflection stared back at me, unimpressed with my effortless ensemble: a plain shirt, sweatpants, a UM hoodie, and my worn-out UGGs. With a final glance, I grabbed my bag and stepped out.

The morning dragged on in its usual monotony. Physics was enjoyable—though I found most subjects engaging, as school never quite felt like a burden. And no, I wasn't looking for him, but I did notice his absence.

On my way to class, a cluster of girls blocked my path. My pulse quickened. I knew them. And they had seen Louis and me yesterday.

"We told you to stay away," one of them sneered. This felt like something straight out of a clichéd high school movie—except it was real.

"Stay away from Louis, bitch."

"One more time, and we swear, we'll make your life a living hell."

A sudden shove sent me stumbling, hitting the cold ground. They laughed, sauntering away as the hallway buzzed with students pouring out of their classes. I dusted myself off, forcing my shaking hands to steady.

My phone vibrated.

The Irish Hottie: Can't meet for lunch, sorry. Got myself a date ;)

I smiled faintly at the message. At least someone was having a good day. I resigned myself to a solo lunch in the main cafeteria. As I walked, a sudden shriek erupted behind me.

And there he was—Louis, flanked by two other guys. The hallway shifted around them, girls practically melting in their wake. Not me. I lowered my gaze, quickening my pace, hoping to slip away unnoticed.

"Why didn't you stop and gawk?" a voice chimed beside me. A blonde girl with streaks of blue in her hair watched me, amusement flickering in her striking blue eyes.

"Um, I don't know?" I fumbled, unsure of how to respond. "They're attractive, sure, but I don't get the obsession. They're just students—normal, like you and me. Blessed by the gods above with looks that could stop time, sure—but still just students."

She laughed, a genuine sound that was oddly comforting. "I like you. I'm Perrie. Perrie Edwards."

"Venus Styles," I replied, shaking her outstretched hand.

"I know who you are. A little birdie talks about you way too much."

I froze. "Who?"

She grinned. "One of those 'blessed-by-the-gods' students. My boyfriend, actually."

My lips curled slightly. "Which one?"

"Zayn Malik. The one with the quiff. The one with the shaved head is Liam Payne. And of course, you know Louis." She winked. "What's your next class?"

"Biology."

"Perfect! That's mine, too. Come on, we'll sit together."

Something about Perrie's presence was infectious—her energy light, unfiltered. We exchanged witty remarks throughout class, and by the end of it, I had a feeling we'd be friends. Maybe even best friends. And I wasn't complaining.

After class, we exchanged numbers.

"What's next for you?" she asked as we gathered our things.

"Free period, then lunch, then I'm done for the day."

"Lucky! We don't have lunch together, but your free time is my lunch break. Let's catch up?"

"I'd love that."