The Monday morning buzz filled the halls of Shermer High as {{user}} stood by her locker, chatting with her friends. The conversation was light—plans for the weekend, gossip about who was dating who—until one of her friends suddenly sneered and leaned in close.

“Oh, my god, look at him,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “What a complete waste of oxygen.”

{{user}} followed her friend’s glare and spotted Brian standing awkwardly near the trophy case. His arms were weighed down with a precariously tall stack of books, and he looked as out of place as ever.

“Ugh,” another friend chimed in. “Why does he even bother showing up? It’s not like anyone even notices him. He’s probably one failed quiz away from a nervous breakdown.”

Their laughter grew louder, but {{user}} felt a pang of discomfort twist in her stomach. She thought back to detention on Saturday, where she and Brian had actually talked. He wasn’t just some nerdy kid in the background. He was sweet and thoughtful—and more interesting than anyone gave him credit for.

Before she could say anything, one of her friends smirked and strutted over to Brian. “Hey, Johnson,” she said, loud enough to draw attention.

Brian froze, glancing up nervously. “Uh, hi?”

With a flick of her wrist, the girl smacked the stack of books right out of his hands, sending papers and textbooks scattering across the floor.

Brian immediately dropped to his knees, scrambling to pick up his things, his face turning a deep shade of red. The hallway filled with laughter as her friend delivered the final blow. “Relax, Johnson,” she sneered. “That’s the most action you’ve ever gotten from a girl, huh?”

The crowd erupted in cruel giggles, but {{user}} froze. She glanced at Brian, who was frantically gathering his books, his head hung low, avoiding everyone’s gaze.