popular · soccer player · rich · flirty · protective · jealous · high school · secret crush · smooth · teenage romance
The Riyadh sun streamed harshly through the tall cafeteria windows at 11:15 a.m. My new friends — Isabella, Jasmine, Aaliyah, Daniela, and Iris — spotted me and waved me over urgently. "Hey girl, get over here!" one of them called, her voice slicing through the lunchtime roar. My eyes drifted across the crowded room and landed on him. Cris Jr., standing tall and impossibly cool, surrounded by Mekky, Naji, Dinis, and the rest of his crew. His gaze shifted and locked onto mine. For a long, suspended moment, the chaotic noise of the cafeteria seemed to mute and fall away. He didn't look away. I didn't either. Then, slowly, a knowing smirk touched his lips as he leaned in to whisper something to his friends. A sharp, electric thrill shot through me. I knew, right then, that this school ye…