Scene 6
Cherry leaned closer, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Jack Andrews," she whispered, "he's not just a senior—he's famous! Over 5.08 million Instagram followers. His family owns a huge business empire. He's basically a prince in disguise."
I blinked. I didn't know what to say.
"It felt like something… but not completely."
A strange heaviness sat in my chest. I didn't know why.
I didn't want to be around anyone.
So I slipped out and walked to the cafeteria.
Mocha. Yeah—mocha always calms me down.
I took a few sips, letting the quiet moment settle inside me.
Then I made my way back to class.
Crowds. So many people at the door.
Whispers. Excitement.
What's going on?
But I didn't care enough to find out. I wasn't in the mood.
I just headed to my desk, avoiding the noise.
"David," I asked quietly, sliding into my seat, "where's Cherry?"
---
David looked at me, a little confused.
"She left just before the crowd showed up," he said. "Didn't say where she was going. But…"
He leaned in.
"I think it's because of him."
I frowned. "Who?"
He tilted his head toward the front of the classroom.
"Jack Andrews. He just walked in."
I slowly turned my head.
And there he was.
Tall. Confident. His black hoodie slightly pushed up at the sleeves.
Not trying too hard.
Yet every eye in the room followed his every move.
I didn't get it.
Why was everyone acting like he was some movie star?
He hadn't even said a word, but the silence in the room was louder than ever.
I glanced down at my cold matcha.
> Why does my chest feel heavy again?
"Jini!"
It was Cherry's voice. She came rushing in, her cheeks flushed and her phone in her hand.
"You won't believe it—Jack actually liked my story! He saw it! He replied with a heart emoji!"
She looked like she could faint from excitement.
I smiled weakly.
"That's… cool."
> But deep down, something didn't feel so cool.
---
Cherry was still squealing beside me, her phone screen glowing with Jack's heart emoji.
"Isn't this crazy?" she whispered. "He saw my story. Mine! I bet he's going to follow me next."
I nodded half-heartedly, trying to force a smile.
But my eyes drifted to him again—Jack.
He sat a few rows ahead, by the window, where sunlight hit his face just enough to make his messy hair glow faintly.
He was staring outside. Calm. Untouched by all the noise he caused.
He didn't even look like he was enjoying the attention.
But somehow… that made him more mysterious.
> Why am I staring?
I looked away quickly and pulled out my notebook, pretending to read.
But nothing made sense. The letters blurred, my thoughts louder than the classroom.
Then—
"Hey," said a voice. Deep. Smooth. Right behind me.
My heartbeat skipped.
I turned slowly.
Jack Andrews.
Standing right next to my desk.
---