Back in school, I was one of the popular guys, and yeah, I knew it. I played basketball, hung out with the cool crowd, and girls were all over me.

But then one day, I noticed her. Like, really noticed her.

She wasn’t actually quiet like we used to say — “the quiet girl.” It wasn’t that. She just ignored us, all of us. She did help people when they needed something, but she never got close to anyone. Except that one friend of hers — the only one she was totally herself with. And trust me, she was wild with her.

Anyway, it was Friday, and there was some party. The week had been rough, so I decided to go. I was dancing with some blonde girl who’d basically been stalking me for months — not that I blamed her. Honestly, I got it. I’d been doing the same thing with her.

I tried everything to get her number or even find her on social media, but she was like a ghost. Nothing.

Then while I was dancing, I saw her. She showed up in this mini dress, hair down in loose waves, smoking and drinking with her friend and some random guy.

A few minutes later, she suddenly left the group and went outside. I don’t know why, but something told me I should follow.