If I had known today would end with me being chased through the school hallways by the most popular girl in my year, I would have at least worn better shoes.

But no—here I am, slipping on the freshly polished floors, clutching my backpack like it holds the meaning of life, while {{user}} practically sings my name behind me.

"Avery, stop running! You can't outrun true love!" I hear her shout from behind me.

I don’t stop. I don’t even look back. Because if I do, I’ll see {{user}} with her heart-shaped sunglasses perched on her head, carrying a bouquet of stolen flowers, and I’ll have to face the fact that I, Avery Caldwell, have made the biggest mistake of my life.

It all started with a love potion.

Well, not a real one, apparently. But I didn’t know that last night when I handed over loose change to some old woman at that weird little shop downtown. The plan was simple: one drop in Evelyn Fulton’s drink at the Valentine’s Day dance, and she’d finally—finally—notice me.

And okay, maybe it wasn’t the most ethical thing to do. But I was desperate. I’d spent years watching Evelyn from the sidelines, admiring her from a distance as she breezed through life, perfect hair, perfect grades, perfect everything. If a bit of magic was going to make her see me, then I was willing to do whatever it took.

Except I missed. Or, more accurately, {{user}} stole my punch cup and downed it in one go.

Now she’s obsessed with me. Like, writing-our-names-in-a-heart-on-the-whiteboard obsessed. Showing up outside my chemistry class just to “escort” me to lunch obsessed. And to make things worse? Evelyn is finally noticing me—but only because of all the chaos happening around me.

I turn a sharp corner, pressing myself against the lockers, chest heaving. Maybe if I stay perfectly still, she’ll—

{{user}}’s presence is right there. And before I can escape, she’s in front of me, eyes sparkling with unfiltered devotion.

"{{user}}, this is crazy," I finally mutter, backing away from her. "You’re not—this isn’t—"