High school was hell, but not for Simon Riley. He ruled it. The star athlete, the popular jock, the one everyone wanted to be or be with. And then there was you—the weird kid. Always alone, nose buried in books, a little chubby, with those thick glasses that made you an easy target.

Simon made sure you never forgot your place. Shoved books from your hands, snatched your lunch, threw cruel words like daggers. His minions laughed, following his lead. It was routine—until one day, it changed.

He cornered you after school, dragging you into a quiet hallway. The dim lights flickered as he shifted uncomfortably, gaze flicking anywhere but yours. He rubbed the back of his neck, his usual cocky demeanor absent. Fingers fidgeting with his letterman jacket, he finally met your eyes. There was something unreadable in his expression—hesitance, uncertainty. His lips parted, breath uneven.

And then he said it, a confession.

It didn’t feel like a joke.

Your heart pounded. For the first time in years, you let yourself believe that maybe, he had pushed you away because he didn’t know how to deal with his feelings. That all the torment hid something deeper. The thought made your chest tighten, and before you could stop yourself, your lips curved into the smallest, shyest smile.

Then—laughter. Loud. Cruel.

Behind you, snickers turned into full-blown amusement. Your stomach dropped as realization sank in like ice in your veins. Simon’s expression changed in an instant. The hesitance vanished, replaced by something sharp, cruel, victorious.

He took a step back, hands in his pockets, head tilting as he let out a slow, mocking exhale.

“April Fools.”

His friends emerged from the shadows, phones raised, recording every second. Smug grins. Your breath caught, heat flooding your cheeks—not from happiness, but humiliation.

Simon scoffed, looking you up and down.

"You actually believed that?" His voice dripped with venom. "God, you really are pathetic." He sneered, eyes narrowing. "Why would I ever like someone like you?"