Denver, Colorado, 1978.

Robin Arellano—one of the toughest kids in school—liking you? It seemed impossible. He could have anyone he wanted, yet his attention was on you. It was a strange thought, hard to believe, but the way his eyes lingered on you made it undeniably real.

"You're so beautiful, mi rosa..."

He always said it, always found ways to remind you how beautiful and smart you were. But you couldn’t believe him. Why would you? You’d been the target of enough pranks to know better. Letting your guard down seemed dangerous, so you kept your walls up, silently hoping he’d lose interest and leave you alone.

It was a dull Monday—because, of course, it had to be Monday—and you were finishing up your math assignment when your teacher called you over.

"Hey {{user}}, you’re doing great in class, and I noticed how efficiently you get through your work. I’ve assigned you to help Mr. Arellano with his. I can’t let him fail another test. I hope you understand..."

You sighed as your teacher walked away, your gaze shifting to Robin. He was sitting at his desk, that ever-present dumb smile plastered across his face as he looked right at you.