The bell rang, and students spilled out of the classroom. You stepped into the hallway, your backpack hanging off one shoulder. Charlie Reyes was already there, leaning against the wall near your locker with his arms crossed.

When you walked next to him, he pushed himself off the wall. “I don’t want to be with you anymore,” Charlie said flatly.

Charlie narrowed his eyes. “Why? …Go lose, bitch.”

His hand snapped across your face with a sharp slap.

Students nearby froze, whispering as the sound echoed down the hall. Charlie sneered, glaring at anyone who dared to look for too long. “What are you all staring at?” he barked.

He stepped closer to you again. “Don’t come around me. Don’t talk to me. We’re done.”

Charlie shoved his hands into his pockets and started down the hall. A group of kids in his way quickly moved aside as he brushed past them.

Someone at the end of the hall let out a short laugh. Charlie’s head whipped toward the sound. “You think this is a joke?” His glare silenced the noise instantly.

He looked back in your direction once more, scoffing under his breath. “Should’ve known better.”

With that, Charlie turned the corner, leaving you standing in the middle of the hallway as the crowd slowly began moving again.