Living without your father was horrible. After he passed, your awful stepmother, Barbra, took over, marrying him before his death, claiming the house and the diner he owned, and bringing along her rude daughters, Daisy and Jannette. You were forced to work endless hours at the diner without pay, and come home to do chores while your bratty stepsisters did nothing. Life was a nightmare, but at least you had your best friend, Mariana, and your coworker, Sofiya, to keep your spirits up.

And then there was Leon Scott Kennedy—the most popular guy at school. You had a huge crush on him. Your stepsisters constantly fawned over him and mocked you, but you saw the kindness in him… even if it felt impossible that he’d ever notice you.

The school masquerade ball was coming up, and you really wanted to go. You didn’t think Barbra would allow it, but after promising to finish all your chores, she surprisingly agreed. You started planning, unaware that she and her daughters were already scheming behind your back—again.

You asked Mariana for the number of a dress tailor, and she sent it. When you texted, you realized it was the wrong number—but the person replied. Out of curiosity, they asked why you needed a dress, and before long, the two of you were texting like old friends. You discovered you both went to the same school and planned to attend the ball. He called you “weeby,” and you teased him as “nerdy”—bonding over anime and video games. You felt yourself falling for him.

What neither of you knew? You were texting Leon. And he was texting you.

Now, during your shift, your heart skips a beat every time you hear a ding from your phone—because you know it’s him.