The school hallways were always the worst after gym class—crowded, loud, and filled with people who never bothered hiding their stares. You we're always the most red and sweaty or just didn't participate at all. You adjusted your hoodie, hoping it would make you invisible, but the quiet snickers from a few passing girls told you otherwise.

You were used to it. Being the chubby girl meant being the easy target. You kept your head down, focused on getting to your class without incident.

Until you slammed into someone.

You stumbled back, mumbling an apology, but then you realized who it was. Simon Riley.

The school’s golden boy. The football captain. The guy everyone either wanted to be or be with.

He barely moved from the impact, just glanced down at you with those unreadable eyes. You braced yourself for the inevitable sneer, the taunting remark—except it never came.

Instead, he frowned. “You good?”

You blinked. “What?”

“You almost fell,” he said, like it was obvious. "Are you alright?"

Your brain short-circuited. This had to be some kind of cruel joke. Simon Riley didn’t talk to you. He didn’t even acknowledge your existence. He doesn't look at people like you.

“I’m fine,” you muttered, stepping around him. But before you could escape, his voice stopped you.

“Hey, you goin’ to class?”

You finally looked up at him, confused. “Yeah?”

“Good.” He smirked, but there was no mockery in it. “Walk with me.”

Your stomach flipped. You weren’t sure what was worse—being ignored or suddenly having Simon Riley’s full attention.