ra's

ergy, lockers slamming, students laughing, and gossip circulating like wildfire. I had hoped I

narrowed like a predator locking onto prey. She smirked, cle

to the side. "Fancy seeing you here so early. Ar

st my chest. "I am not hiding, Ashley." I said, meeting her

h, I think it is my business. Calvin seems to think you are

e heat rising in my neck. "Interesting does not mean

de? You think you can just walk past me? That is cute. Real cute.

her posturing. "Lucky? You are the one acting like

ike sparks. Some were watching for the drama, while others just wanted to see if I would finally snap under h

over one shoulder. "I like watching people like you squirm. It is entertaining. And Calvin,

s? Is that what you call this? Threate

om. "Stalking? Please, Sam. You made it obvious y

bait. "I do not care what you think. And you

lway. His dark hair fell perfectly across his forehead, and the casual confidence in his stride made him s

his voice smooth and almost bored, as

defend her territory. "Yes, Calvin. Everything i

mirk playing on his lips. "Samira, I did not know you h

eep my back straight. "I have plenty. Yo

owl deepened instantly. Clearly, she had not expected him to tease me

before turning back to him. "You

irecting my words at both of them. "And at least I

watch us circle each other like predators in a cage. Ashley's annoyance was palpable. Ever

ugh gritted teeth, stepping a fraction closer t

do something about it. "Regret?

did not touch either of us, but the effect was the same. His presence demanded every bit of attent

flashing across my face. "I can hand

wled, clearly dissatisfied that he was not taking her side. I felt a tiny thrill of power kn

"Whatever!" She muttered, clearly annoyed, and stormed off toward the next hallway. S

Calvin took a half-step closer and tilted his head. "Impressive." he sa

at him. "You

ngly confident smirk that seeme

very smirk, and every small shift of stance felt like a test of wil

toward their classrooms in a frantic swarm. Calvin gave me one last smirk and s

lders were tight and my stomach felt like it had been flipping in slow motion. And yet,

ia and Amanda were already waiting in class, waving me over to our usual spot. I c

I approached. "I cannot believe Ashley e

ing as she enjoyed my discomfort. "And

and. "Classic? She almost ruined my entire morning. And I d

"Admit it, Sam. You like the chaos. I

, perhaps a bit too fast. "I only

her textbook. "Sure. Kee

And I knew it would only get more complicated as my birthday approached. By the time class ended, I had sorted through my nerves. I still hated the confro

ep it together the next