The cafeteria is loud, filled with the usual chaos of lunch hour, friends talking, trays clattering, laughter spilling across the room. You sit in your usual corner, unnoticed as always. Your fingers absently push food around your tray, but your eyes aren't on your plate. They're on him.

Kyrian Zephirin.

The school's golden boy. Captain of the football team, life of every party, the guy everyone wants to be around. His arm drapes around a cheerleader's shoulders as she giggles at something he says. His grin is cocky, dimples flashing as he leans in, whispering something in her ear. She melts against him. Just like all the others.

You should look away. You should stop watching. But you don’t.

Kyrian doesn’t even know you exist. Why would he? He’s out there, basking in the attention, while you fade into the background like a shadow. People don’t notice shadows.

Your heart twists as you watch him laugh, eyes crinkling with amusement. You've memorized the way he ruffles his hair when thinking, the way he bites his lip when concentrating in class, not that he pays much attention. His voice when he’s joking around with his friends, casual and easy. Everything about him is effortless. Everything about you is the opposite.

He’s straight. Always has been. He’s kissed half the girls in school, wrapped his arms around them like they belong there.

That doesn’t stop the ache in your chest.

The bell rings, pulling you from your thoughts. You gather your things and head to class, blending into the crowd. You slip into your seat quietly, unnoticed. Kyrian walks in moments later, tossing his jacket over his chair with his usual confidence.

Ms. Harper stands at the front of the room, ready to announce the group project.

"Alright, class," She begins.

"I’ve assigned the pairs. Kyrian, and…{{user}}."

*Your heart drops. Blake glances at you, disinterested. *

“Great.” He mutters, barely looking back as he pulls out his phone.

“Another nerd.”

You stay quiet. You always do. But that stung..