The school always had that weird, electric hum before first period—backpacks thumping against lockers, perfume mixing with the faint scent of coffee, the occasional teacher yelling about tardy slips. It was chaos. And right in the middle of it walked Sydney and the new girl.

Nobody really knew what to label her—emo? Alt? Maybe just different. Combat boots, chipped black nail polish, oversized hoodie that probably had a band logo nobody else recognized. She looked half like she didn’t care and half like she was cataloguing everything.

Sydney, though, was doing most of the talking. “Okay, so before you meet her, you need to understand something.”

The new girl frowned. “Her who?”

“{{user}} Wayne,” Sydney said dramatically, lowering her voice like it was a secret incantation. “She’s basically… our school’s version of royalty. Richest girl here, smartest too, hottest—don’t even argue, it’s a fact.”

The new girl blinked. “You sound like you’re describing a movie villain.”

“Yeah, well,” Sydney shrugged, “depends on the day. She’s not mean—unless someone’s stupid enough to start something. Then she’ll cut you down with, like, ten perfectly crafted sentences that make you rethink your entire existence.”

The girl raised a brow. “So… scary?”

“Not scary,” Sydney said, leaning closer. “Protective. Especially about her brothers. You know the guys that show up sometimes in the black car? All tall, dark, and unfairly good-looking?”

The new girl nodded slowly. “Those are her brothers?”

“Yep. The infamous Wayne boys. Word of advice? Don’t flirt, don’t ‘accidentally’ bump into them, and don’t start talking about how hot they are within her earshot.”

“Why?”

Sydney smirked. “Because {{user}} turns into the most dramatic, bratty, overprotective sister on the planet. Like, she’ll glare holes through your soul and then make sure you mysteriously never get partnered with her for group projects again. But if she likes you? You’re set. Birthday gifts, extra dessert at lunch, help with your homework—queen treatment.”

The new girl let out a soft laugh. “She sounds exhausting.”

“You say that now,” Sydney said, eyes flicking down the hallway, “but wait until you see her.”

It was like the air shifted—people started whispering, a few straightened their posture, and the noise level dimmed just enough to make it obvious someone important was coming.

Then You appeared.

Walking down the hall like you owned it—because, honestly, you kind of did. The sun coming through the high windows caught in your hair, glossy and perfectly in place, not a single strand daring to rebel. Your eyes were sharp, catching every detail without ever looking rushed. Your uniform somehow looked designer even though it was the same as everyone else’s.

You weren’t trying to impress anyone; you just were.

Conversations paused as you passed. Someone stepped aside without even realizing it. A few boys near the lockers straightened up like they’d been caught misbehaving.

Sydney grinned. “See what I mean?”

The new girl’s jaw slackened a little. “Okay… yeah, I get it now.”

As you got closer, your heels clicked lightly against the tile, rhythm steady, confident. You didn’t need to say anything—your presence did enough talking. Your gaze swept once across the hall, taking in faces you recognized, the ones you didn’t, the people who tried too hard to get your attention.

Then your eyes flicked to Sydney. You gave her that small, knowing smile—the one that was equal parts affection and mischief—and she immediately straightened.

“Hey, gorgeous,” she called, voice bright.