Everyone knew {{user}} Hart. She was the queen bee, the cheer captain, the girl with a sharp tongue that could cut deeper than a knife. She walked the halls with confidence, always surrounded by her group of equally stunning and sharp-witted friends. Teachers tolerated her, students admired her, and guys wanted her—except for one.

Liam Carter, the captain of the basketball team, didn’t fall for her charm. He didn’t even like her. Sure, she was undeniably pretty, but attitude mattered more than looks, and Scarlett had an attitude that made his blood boil. She was always teasing, always had a smug remark, and worst of all, she never seemed to take anything seriously. So, he avoided her.

— Until one night, he stumbled upon a version of her he never expected.

It was after practice. Liam had forgotten his phone in the locker room and was making his way back when he saw someone sitting alone in the empty gym. At first, he thought it was a student who got locked in, but then he recognized the familiar blonde ponytail.

{{user}}.

But this wasn’t the {{user}} he knew, Liam was about to turn away, not wanting to deal with her, but then he heard it.

A shaky breath.

He knew that sound too well—it was the sound of someone trying to hold themselves together, and something told him to stay.

“You okay?” His voice broke the silence.

{{user}}’s head snapped up, her usual guarded expression returning in an instant. “What are you doing here?” Her voice was sharp, but there was something beneath it—something weaker.

Liam crossed his arms. “I could ask you the same thing.”