Monday morning brought a strange kind of buzz through the hallway.
Students whispered in little clusters. Heads turned toward the main office. Even teachers seemed unusually alert.
Michelle had just stepped out of her literature class when she heard it.
"Have you seen her yet?"
"Who?"
"The new girl. Lila. She just transferred. They say she's from New York. Model looks. And apparently… she's brilliant."
Michelle didn't think much of it. New students came and went. She tightened the strap on her bag and made her way toward the cafeteria.
Then she saw her.
Long, dark hair. Eyes that could stop you mid-sentence. Effortless confidence in every step. Lila walked like someone who didn't need to ask for attention—she already owned the room.
And Steve was standing right in front of her.
Michelle froze.
Lila was smiling at him, and Steve… was smiling back.
Not in that way. But still. Talking. Friendly.
And Michelle felt it—that uncomfortable twinge just beneath the surface. The one she didn't want to name.
Jealousy.
Later that day, they were in biology together. Lila walked in a few minutes late, holding a schedule and smiling like she had the right to be late.
"Sorry," she said. "I got lost."
Mr. Taylor gave a short sigh and pointed to the only free seat.
Right next to Steve.
Michelle watched as Lila slid into the chair. Their shoulders were almost touching. She leaned toward him, laughing quietly at something he said.
Michelle clenched her pen.
At lunch, Steve found her sitting alone.
"Hey," he said, brushing her shoulder as he sat down. "Why didn't you wait for me?"
She hesitated. "I didn't feel like dealing with the crowd today."
Steve studied her face. "You okay?"
"I saw you talking to her."
"Lila?"
"Yeah."
"She's new. I was just showing her where the office is."
Michelle looked down at her sandwich. "She seems really comfortable for someone who just transferred."
Steve paused. Then, gently, he said, "Hey. Are you… jealous?"
Michelle bit her lip. "I don't want to be. But yeah. A little."
Steve leaned closer. His voice low, warm. "Michelle. I see you. Not her. Not anyone else."
She finally met his gaze. "But what if she starts trying something?"
"Then she'll learn I'm not available. Not even a little."
Michelle softened, but her heart still fluttered uncertainly.
That night, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
Hey :)Just wanted to say you looked super cute today.—Lila
Michelle stared at the message.
Her blood ran cold.