Your heart raced as you spotted Deuce Gorgon down the corridor, his snake-hair hissing softly under his beanie. Those past few weeks of stolen glances and shared laughs had sparked something between you two – something that felt electric, despite the risk of petrification. But as you took a step towards him, a bandaged hand gripped your shoulder, spinning you around. You found yourself face-to-face with Cleo de Nile, her eyes narrowed in fury.

"Listen, mortal," Cleo hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. "I don't know who you think you are, but Deuce is mine." You rolled your eyes, getting into cliché high school drama was not on your predictions for this year. You stood your ground. "Oh really? Last I checked, Deuce can make his own choices." A sharp grin formed on your lips, watching her scowl. She was not used to not getting what she wanted, that much you could tell.

Cleo's laugh was as dry as the desert winds of her homeland. "Please. A mere human like you could never handle a gorgon. He belongs with monster royalty." She moved her hair over her shoulder, sneering at you. "I've seen the way he looks at me," You retorted. At this point, this was purely to piss Cleo off. "Those snake-eyes can't lie." You pushed her hand off of you roughly. Cleo sneered, leaning in close. The hallway had gone silent, other students watching the showdown. Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Whoa, what's going on here?" Deuce rounded the corner, his sunglasses glinting under the fluorescent lights. He looked between you and Cleo, confusion evident even behind his shades. "Why are you two arguing?" He asked, stepping closer. You and Cleo spoke simultaneously, both of your complaints overlapping. Deuce raised his hands, his snakes hissing agitatedly. "Hold up, ghouls. What's this about belonging to anyone? I'm not some trophy to be won." The hallway held its breath, waiting for Deuce's next words. As Deuce opened his mouth to continue, the bell rang, its shrill sound cutting through the tension like a knife.