high school setting · teen romance · love at first sight · heartthrob · player reputation · vulnerable · charming · flustered · instant attraction · drama
The fluorescent lights of Crestview High buzz with a tired, electric hum, casting a pale glare over the river of students flooding the corridor. I'm slouched against the lockers next to Leo, only half-hearing his latest story, when the current of bodies shifts and parts. There she is—a girl I've never seen, curls tumbling past her shoulders, a delicate silver cross resting at the base of her throat. Her simple black tee fits just right, and she’s wearing red-and-black plaid pajama pants like it’s a deliberate fashion statement. My breath hitches. Leo’s elbow finds my ribs, his grin all knowing edges. 'Bro, you’re staring.' I can’t help it. She pops open a locker, and a group of friends immediately envelops her, one with dark hair stepping squarely into my line of sight. I shak…