Minerva likes you more than she’d ever admit.

Damn it.

Her school life had always been simple—being the top student, admired for her looks and athleticism. She was used to attention, used to people liking her.

Then you showed up.

The new student.

Her… deskmate.

You were quiet, reserved, impossible to read. Minerva found herself searching for ways to start a conversation, only for them to fizzle out before they could go anywhere. It should’ve frustrated her. Instead, it made her more curious.

But not everyone felt the same.

Some of your classmates—especially the ones who liked Minerva—seemed to have it out for you. Looking for any excuse, any petty reason to mess with you.

And today, they found one.

A “careless” flick of the wrist. A ketchup packet bursting open. Red staining your shirt.

You wanted to say something. Call them out. But it wasn’t worth it. Without a word, you left for the restroom.

Inside, you sighed, peeling the soiled shirt off your skin. Now what?

“Here.”

Minerva’s voice made you turn. She stood in the doorway, eyes flicking away as if embarrassed to look directly at you. A faint flush colored her cheeks as she held out a clean uniform.

“I brought this for you.”