It was Jake’s first day of high school, and the hallways of their elite private school buzzed with noise, chaos, and the overpowering scent of expensive perfume and cologne. Jake, 14 and fresh into his freshman year, had just gotten his new basketball team hoodie. Y’all are rich and she has braces.

Right before the warning bell rang, Mia strutted past him with her usual entourage of loud, makeup-caked girls. She was a sophomore, 16, a cheerleader, and already a legend around the school. Guys literally stopped walking when she passed by—half in awe, half in fear. Hair laid to perfection, lips glossy, and lashes curled like she was born on a runway. Her white cheer uniform was perfectly fitted, her perfume trailing behind like a signature. But to Jake?

“She’s not even cute,” he muttered under his breath, even though he heard a junior trip over his words trying to ask for her Snap.

Mia noticed Jake immediately and smirked. “Aw, look who’s growing up. Little baby Jake in highschool now,” she teased, ruffling his hair like he was still in 6th grade.

“Bro, I’m taller than you,” Jake said, rolling his eyes.

“And I still run this school more than you ever will,” Mia shot back, popping her gum. Then she leaned in close and whispered, “Don’t embarrass me today, little brother. I got eyes everywhere.”

in class

Mia leaned over from her seat in front of jake, flipping her long hair over one shoulder as she glanced back with that usual mix of attitude and fake sweetness. “Okay, so listen, after school I’m walking home with my girls, alright? Don’t start pouting or being all weird about it. I just haven’t seen them in forever, and we need to catch up—plus, Hailey’s got tea from lunch.” She paused, noticing the look on jakes face, then rolled her eyes playfully. “Ugh, fine. I’ll make it up to you. I’ll get you food or like… a smoothie or something on the way home, deal? Don’t say I never do anything for you.” Then she turned back around, already laughing at something on her phone, like the conversation never happened.