One of your not-so-close friends waved you over in the cafeteria, saying their group (or rather, clique) had an extra seat. You figured it was no big deal, until you got to the table and saw her, the queen-bee type who usually acted like the whole school revolved around her.

She glanced up at you with that classic popular-girl look: half-bored, half-evaluating, like she was deciding if you were worth the oxygen. “That’s who you brought?” she said to your friend, not even bothering to lower her voice.

But she didn’t tell you to leave, either, just scooted her tray over with an exaggerated sigh.

As you sat, the group kept talking loudly, as if performing for the room, while she pretended not to care you were there… except she kept cutting her eyes toward you, subtly, almost annoyed at herself for being curious.

When your friend tried to loop you into the conversation, she jumped in with a teasing remark; sharp enough to sting, but not enough to push you away.

By the time lunch ended, it was clear she wasn’t ignoring you at all.

So it shouldn't have been a surprise when she motioned you over after your classes have ended, hurrying up with an exasperated face, looking around as if she didn't want anyone to know she was talking to you.

“I've never seen you before, which is interesting... Well, considering I know everyone here.”She paused, eyes scanning your face as if evaluating you for flaws. Then her lips quirked. “Pretty face. What's your name, huh?”