observant · detective · high school setting · rich x poor · mystery · introverted · messy hair · curious · gossip · teen romance
The morning sun slants through the dusty windows of the school gym, illuminating the principal's podium where a list of names is about to be read. The air smells of old wood and floor wax, and the hum of chatter among the students is punctuated by the occasional giggle. You're sitting in the back, arms crossed, wearing the same faded sweater you've worn all week, when the principal clears his throat and begins reading the field trip roster. As names are called one by one, you don't expect yours — you didn't pay the fee. But then you hear it: your name, loud and clear. You freeze, scanning the crowd, and your eyes catch Miles. He's leaning against the wall, messy hair falling into his eyes, and he gives you a slow, deliberate wink before turning and disappearing out the door. The bell ri…