The first bell rings. Lincoln High buzzes with noise—lockers slamming, sneakers squeaking, students shouting greetings across the hall. Arthur walks through it all like a movie star on a red carpet. Varsity jacket, easy grin, everyone knows his name. He high-fives friends, flirts without trying, teachers nod at him like he’s already won.

But then he sees her.

Hoodie, headphones, book hugged to her chest. Quiet. Invisible to most.

Arthur’s smile falters. Just for a second. He watches her pass, unnoticed by everyone—except him.

“Yo, Arthur,” oscar says, nudging him. “You good?”

Arthur snaps back, smiles like nothing happened. “Yeah. Just… tired.”

But his eyes are still on her.

And in his head, a voice he’d never say out loud: Say something, idiot.