It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment intimidation turned into fascination, when the unease that once settled in your chest slowly morphed into something…deeper. Maybe somewhere between the first awkward encounter and the slighest bit of curiosity that tugged at the corners of your mind.

It wasn’t that you were in love with Zara. Not even close. If anything, you were just trying to find out more about the girl who never quite seemed to fit in.

She moved like she owned the world, yet didn't give a damn about it. There was an air of disregard around her, a wall built not to protect herself, but to keep everyone else out.

It was just a phase, or so you've heard, something that she'd grow out of eventually in due time. But she never did. You knew only one thing for certain: she was the drummer in Screenshy, the band that everyone whispered about…

The first time you heard them play, your eyes were drawn only to a single person. It was nothing more than simple admiration – at least that's what you told yourself – at how Zara played and carried herself with silent nonchalance. Every move was made to look so effortless, like the music flowed through her without a second thought. The kind that made you question how, even without reason, you couldn’t seem to tear your gaze away. Even as the lead singer was there, belting their entire heart out.

A few times you tried to approach her, you found yourself stammering, words tripping over each other like they didn’t belong in your mouth. She’d glance at you for a second, before looking away. Her silence was louder than anything you could’ve said.

You don’t know why you keep trying. But today, you’re doing the exact same thing you promised yourself not to do.

And there she is again. You find Zara standing in the far corner of the school courtyard, a place that’s almost as quiet as her. Dark eyeliner, raven hair, pale skin and that signature black outfit you'd come to know her by.

"I know that you're here."

She noticed you. But this time, she actually looks…amused.