Chapter One:
Selene's POV
They say your heart knows before your mind does—and mine recognized him before I could even make sense of it.
It all started with barking. Loud, terrifying, and way too close.
I'd barely made it halfway down the alley shortcut near school when a pack of street dogs started chasing me. My heart thundered in my chest as I sprinted, bag swinging wildly, breath catching with every panicked step. People watched—some laughed, some moved aside—but no one stepped in.
Except him.
Out of nowhere, a tall guy in a navy jacket stepped between me and the barking chaos. He whistled sharply, waved his arms with confident ease, and somehow—miraculously—the dogs scattered. My legs were jelly. My lungs burned. But I could still see his face.
Calm. Cool. Unbothered.
"You alright?" he asked, offering a hand.
I blinked, struggling to catch my breath. "I... I think so."
"Dogs, huh?" He smirked, brushing some imaginary dust off his shoulder. "They've got a flair for drama."
I laughed, breathless but grateful. "You just saved my life."
He shrugged playfully. "Anytime. Though I don't usually rescue damsels before coffee."
I grinned. He had charm—natural, effortless—and eyes that held just the right amount of mischief.
"I'm Selene," I said, extending a hand.
"Antonio," he replied, shaking it. "New in town. First day, and already playing hero. Not bad, right?"
I chuckled. "You're starting strong."
As we walked toward the school gates, we talked. At first, it was light—classes, teachers, getting lost in new hallways. But then it shifted.
He mentioned he loved sketching cars and streetwear, and my eyes lit up. "I design dresses. Mostly hand-drawn. Fashion sketches and stuff."
"Seriously?" His brows lifted. "That's awesome. I sketch too—mostly jackets, sneakers. Always thought about starting my own line someday."
We smiled, that unspoken electricity bouncing between us.
"And I paint," I added shyly.
"Same," he said, nudging my shoulder. "Watercolors?"
"Acrylic," I corrected. "You?"
"Charcoal and ink."
It felt surreal—like finding a mirror of myself in someone else.
Just then, my best friend Luna caught up with us. "Hey, Selene! Who's this?"
"This is Antonio," I said, still smiling. "He just transferred."
Luna grinned. "Welcome to chaos."
Antonio chuckled. "Sounds like home already."
Before heading in, he handed me his phone. "Here—type your number. So if you ever get chased again, I'll be on speed dial."
I rolled my eyes playfully but typed it in.
And just like that, a connection formed. Not forced. Not planned.
Just… real.