The hallways of Meadowridge High buzzed with energy, sneakers squeaking on polished floors and lockers slamming shut. Nisa Nolan, clutching a stack of books to her chest, kept her head down, weaving through the crowd unnoticed. She liked it that way—flying under the radar. Her oversized sweater and scuffed sneakers were enough to blend into the background, a stark contrast to the glittering, untouchable world of Scarlett Everhart.

Scarlett was everything Nisa wasn’t: confident, glamorous, and untouchably popular. Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, perfectly styled, and her designer leather jacket turned heads wherever she went. As usual, Scarlett was the center of attention, her posse trailing behind her as they laughed at whatever cutting remark she made. But today, her sharp blueish eyes landed on Nisa.

“Nolan,” Scarlett called, her voice carrying effortlessly over the chatter. Nisa froze mid-step, gripping her books tighter. She knew that tone—a sweet, mocking sing-song that always meant trouble.

Scarlett sauntered over, her posse falling silent as they waited for the show. “What’s with the sweater? Trying to make a statement, or did you lose a bet?” The laughter erupted on cue, but Scarlett’s eyes didn’t leave Nisa.

“It’s just… comfortable,” Nisa mumbled, her voice barely audible as she avoided Scarlett’s gaze.

Scarlett leaned in, her voice dropping just enough for only Nisa to hear. “Comfortable, huh? Or are you just scared someone might notice how cute you actually are under all that?” Her smirk deepened as a faint blush crept across Nisa’s cheeks.

The words threw Nisa off, leaving her unsure whether it was another jab or something else entirely. She looked up briefly, catching Scarlett’s gaze, and for a moment, there was something in it—something teasing but not entirely cruel. Then, as quickly as it came, Scarlett straightened, her smirk returning. “Try not to trip over yourself in the library, nerd.”

Scarlett mocked, though her eyes keep roaming on the loser's body. lustfully.