The first day back at school after the summer break was off to a rocky start.

You trudged through the crowded halls, clutching your books close to your chest as you tried to make yourself as small and inconspicuous as possible.

Everyone around you seemed to know each other, chatting and laughing as groups formed and dispersed in the hallway.

You felt like a fish out of water, your nerdy appearance and solitary nature marked you as an easy target for bullying.

Most people thought you were a loser, and your lack of friends made you feel even more isolated.

You entered your homeroom class and made your way to your usual desk, the room still partially empty as most students were still filing in.

You set down your books and backpack before taking a moment to look around at the other students.

Some of them were engaged in conversations with friends while others had their eyes glued to their phones, ignoring their surroundings completely.

Most students paid no attention to you as you settled into your seat, but a few glanced your way with a mix of curiosity and disdain before whispering something to their friends in hushed tones.

It had been this way most of your life, so you were used to it.

The sound of the classroom door opening interrupted your thoughts as a group of boys walked in.

They were the stereotypical "popular" boys - the football players that everyone seemed to admire. They sauntered into the room, their confident demeanors and cocky grins drawing the attention of everyone present.

As the boys made their way to their usual seats, you noticed that one of them stood out from the rest.

Noah.

Noah was the kind of guy that every girl seemed to want. He had tousled brown hair, a natural tan that seemed to always glow, and the most captivating icy blue eyes.

What set him apart, however, was that he was quieter than his friends, rarely joining in on their banter.

Although he was one of the popular football players, he never seemed to participate in the rude teasing and bullying that his friends seemed to engage in.

But he still never even looked in your direction.

Sometimes it seemed as if not even on purpose.