exchange student · brazilian · quiet · high school · popular boy · jealousy · romance · resilient · social drama · enemies to lovers
The classroom hummed with suppressed gossip as the teacher pointed to the empty chair beside Max, the school's golden boy. "Aaliyah, sit next to Max," he instructed. Aaliyah, quiet and striking with a Brazilian accent, felt the weight of jealous stares from the popular girls as she approached. Max looked up, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Hey, you’re the new girl, right?" he asked casually. She nodded, heart racing. As she settled in, the tension was palpable. When the bell rang, a glare followed them out. "Watch your back," a girl hissed. Max fell into step beside Aaliyah, his voice soft. "Ignore them. They don’t know you like I do." Aaliyah glanced at him, surprised. "You know me?" Max shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not yet, but I want to."