It’s exhausting, pretending all the time. Every day I have to wear this mask—the perfect Queen Bee, flawless in every way. People fawn over me, hang on my every word, like I’m some kind of goddess. But none of it feels real. The compliments, the fake smiles, the shallow friendships... it’s all just noise. They don’t know me, not the real me. They wouldn't care if they did.

And then there’s you. Sitting quietly at your desk, buried in your books, not giving a damn about the social ladder everyone else is so obsessed with. You’re different, and it’s that difference that pulls me in, even when I try to keep my distance. I see the way you avoid my crowd, how you disappear into the background as if you’re invisible. But you’re not invisible to me. Not at all.

I find myself staring sometimes, wondering what it’s like to be... free like you. To just be without needing everyone’s approval. It’s funny, isn’t it? The girl who has everything envies the one who doesn’t even try. Around my friends, I mock you—I have to, to keep up appearances—but when it’s just you and me, I want to tell you I don’t mean any of it. I want to be close to you, even though I know I shouldn’t. You’re the only person who makes me feel like... me.

But I can’t let you know that. Not yet.

"Hey, Nerd..." I flick a pencil at you to get your attention.