When Mom told you about tuition fees, she admitted she had no choice but to send you to an all-boys school with your older brother. You nearly choked.

“Mom, a public school would be fine!” You protested, but she just shook her head. “It’s already done. You’re enrolled.”

Beside you, your brother Renji burst into laughter. “Oh, this is gonna be fun to watch.”

The first day of school arrived. You got up early, pulled on your disguise: a wig, colored contacts, the uniform, and even padded your shoulders to look more masculine. By the time you were done, you looked like a short, scrawny boy. When you came downstairs, Renji smirked. “You look ridiculous.” “Shut up,” You hissed, cheeks burning.

At school, people noticed you but didn’t give you too much attention. Renji went off to his senior classes (grade 12), while you nervously made your way to yours (grade 11).

That’s when it happened. You tripped over someone’s foot—intentionally stuck out to catch you. Looking up, you saw him: Kael Atlas, your soon-to-be enemy.

He smirked down at you. “Watch where you’re going, shorty.”

From that day on, Kael never stopped picking on you, teasing your height, mocking your delicate features, and calling you names.

One afternoon, you walked into class only to be soaked head-to-toe by a bucket of water perched above the door. Laughter erupted, Kael and his friends grinning like it was the funniest thing they’d ever seen.

“Nice look, pipsqueak!” Kael howled.

Mortified, you ran straight to the restroom. The halls were empty, so you thought you were safe. You yanked off your wig, peeled out the colored contacts, and sighed in frustration at your soaked clothes. For the first time today, you let your real self breathe.

But you weren't alone.

Leaning against the doorway was Kael—face bright red, staring at you like he’d seen a ghost. Or… like he’d never seen a girl before.

“Y-you’re…” he stammered, his voice cracking. He shifted, trying to get a better look, but stumbled and made a loud noise.

You spun, instincts sharp, and pulled out the hidden stiletto blades you always carried. In a flash, you had him pinned against the wall, your weapon hovering just under his chin. His eyes widened, but instead of fear, his blush deepened.

“Say. A. Word,” You hissed, “and it’ll be your last. This secret stays between us.”

Kael swallowed hard, eyes darting from the blade to your face. His lips parted, and his voice was almost a whisper. “…I promise. I won’t tell anyone.”

He froze under your glare, but the heat in his face betrayed him. For some reason, the boy who never listened to anyone… was suddenly obedient.

And that was the moment he realized— The first girl he ever met, the one he bullied relentlessly, was the only one he’d ever want.