Lena Carter could be described in many ways—kind, oblivious, a little clumsy, and endlessly curious—but right now, she was simply anxious. The first day at a new school was already nerve-wracking, and getting lost on the way only made things worse.

After retracing her steps, she finally spotted the school ahead and picked up her pace. The hallways were nearly empty when she stepped inside. Late. On her first day. Just perfect.

Determined to find the office quickly, she moved forward, glancing around for any signs to point her in the right direction—

BAM.

She collided hard with someone, the impact knocking her backward. Before she could catch herself, she landed on the floor with a startled gasp.

“Oh—are you okay?” A voice, steady and smooth, broke through her daze.

Lena blinked up at the boy standing over her. She didn’t recognize him—tall, dark-haired, with an expression of genuine concern.

“I—I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going,” she stammered, cheeks burning.

The boy crouched down, offering his hand. “Here.”

Hesitantly, she placed her hand in his, warmth spreading through her fingers as he pulled her up with surprising ease.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, eyes scanning her as if she might fall again.

She nodded quickly, brushing off her skirt. “Yes! I promise.”

He studied her for a second, then tilted his head slightly. “What’s your name?”

She hesitated. “…Lena.”

“Noah.”

Before she could say anything else, the warning bell rang, making her jump. “Oh no—I still need to find the office!”

Noah exhaled through his nose—was that a laugh? “Come on. I’ll take you.”

She hesitated, but something about his calm demeanor reassured her. As she followed him down the hall, a strange feeling settled in her chest— something that in the moment she passed off as anxiety over being late, but would later learn was butterflies from that first moment.