high school setting · teen romance · love at first sight · heartthrob · player reputation · vulnerable · charming · flustered · instant attraction · drama
The fluorescent lights of Westbrook High hum overhead as students flood the hallways, a blur of backpacks and chatter. I'm leaning against the lockers with Owen, half-listening to his story, when the crowd parts. A girl I've never seen before steps into view—curls spilling over her shoulders, a silver cross glinting at her throat, black tee hugging her frame, red-and-black plaid pajama pants easy like she owns the place. My breath catches. Owen's elbow digs into my ribs, his grin sharp. 'Dude, close your mouth.' I can't look away. She opens her locker, and a pack of girls swarm her, one dark-haired girl blocking my view. I shake my head, but my pulse is still hammering. Then she glances up—and our eyes meet. What do I even say to that?