Class celebrity

“Care to join?”

Those words he spewed—hell, who was I kidding—it wasn’t just the words. It was that smug expression on his face that irritated me to no end.

“No thanks,” I replied coolly, prying his hand off my waist.

Ugh. What a jerk. So much for a good first impression.

Of course, he didn’t take the hint. Instead, he stepped even closer—close enough that I could smell the mix of gum and peppermint on his breath.

“You sure?” he asked, voice dangerously low. “You looked kinda jealous back there.”

Who exactly was this dude? And why was no one else in this hallway yet? Curse your luck, Nova.

I scoffed. “Me?” I asked, pointing to myself. “Jealous of what? Watching you suck face in the middle of a hallway like it’s your part-time job? Yeah, I’m totally heartbroken,” I said, dripping with sarcasm.

He had the audacity to chuckle.

“You’ve got bite,” he said. “I like it.”

Kill me now.

“I’m just trying to get to class, goddamnit,” I said, stepping around him.

He looked like he was about to say something else when she appeared—the same girl he’d been making out with. She walked up and practically glued herself to his side.

“Aiden,” she purred. “What’s taking you so long?” She slid her arm around his like she owned him.

Then her eyes landed on me, sizing me up and down like I was her next chew toy. Who was she trying to intimidate? I almost laughed.

“Who’s this?” she asked, finally tearing her eyes off me and looking at Aiden.

Well, I thought, his name definitely matched his attitude—Aiden. Trouble with a capital A.

“It’s nothing, Chloe. Let’s go—we need to meet Ty and Jace at the entrance,” he said, and just like that, he turned and walked away.

But not before he looked over his shoulder and blew me a kiss.

What was this boy doing?!

I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly popped out of my skull and finally made my way into the classroom.

“Victory,” I whispered to myself as I slid into a seat in the middle row.

So much for an uneventful first day.

The room was still mostly empty, so I rested my head on the desk. Just for a second. Just a second…

Next thing I knew, the classroom was buzzing with chatter. I groggily raised my head and instantly regretted it.

Everyone—and I mean everyone—was staring at me like I was Jennie from BLACKPINK. What was I, a celebrity?

Why were they so damn interested?

But hell, I wasn’t going to let them size me up. I locked eyes with anyone who dared stare, challenging them silently. I said I’d stay out of trouble—not become a target.

“Ignore them,” a voice said beside me. “They always do that when someone new joins. And you’re not helping by full-on glaring at everyone,” he added with a laugh, dimples on full display.

I turned to get a better look—and damn, he was cute. Not the ripped jock type either. He was cute in a charming, comfortable way. And trust me, if I say someone with muscles is cute, you better believe it.

“Typical high school students,” I muttered.

“Oh, she talks!” he said, pretending to be shocked. “Forgive me—you were staring so hard I couldn’t tell if you were in awe of my beauty or just couldn’t speak.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. This guy was ridiculous. In a good way.

“I’m Eli, by the way,” he said, holding out a hand. “Nice to meet you, newbie.”

I shook it. “Nova. And please, don’t call me that. I have a reputation to protect.”

He blinked. “You just got here.”

“Exactly. That means my record is still flawless, and I plan to keep it that way.”

“You’re weird,” he said, laughing. “But I like you. We should totally be friends.”

Honestly? I liked his vibe too. I’d never clicked with someone so fast before.

“And before you worry,” he added, “about me falling for you like in every cliché straight-best-friend story—relax. You’re gorgeous, but I prefer hot guys to pretty girls.”

I broke into a full grin. “We’re already friends, Eli.”

He let out a dramatic squeal. “Yesss!”

Well, look at that. I just made a friend. One I was sure I’d have lots of fun with. What a nice start to the day.

Well… aside from the morning drama.

As if on cue—like the universe heard me think of him—he walked in. Aiden. With Chloe and two other guys. They entered the classroom like they were walking a goddamn runway.

I shook my head as they took their seats a few rows behind us.

“Since when do they attend morning classes?” Eli whispered.

But before I could respond, the teacher entered.

“Alright, guys. That’s enough chit-chat,” she said, placing her books down. “Let’s get started.”

The class quieted immediately.

“Oh, before we begin,” she added, turning to me. “We have a new student among us.”

And just like that, everyone turned their heads again—eyes back on me.

So much for flying under the radar, teach.

“I hope you’ll all be nice and help her adjust,” she continued.

A few mumbled replies echoed around the room.

“Alright, let’s open our workbooks to page thirty,” she said, turning to the board.

“Seems like you’re our new class celebrity, Nova,” Eli whispered, nudging me.

I groaned.

“Goddamnit.”