The school courtyard was bustling with students, laughter echoing across the hallways. Anna Rosé walked slowly, carrying her books, when Ethan appeared beside her as if by chance.
"Hey," he said smoothly, leaning slightly on her shoulder as they walked. "Why do you always look so serious? Life's too short to be serious all the time."
Anna blushed slightly, trying to step back, but she couldn't help smiling. Ethan's charm was irresistible, and his attention made her heart beat faster.
Nick watched from across the courtyard, his eyes dark with a mix of frustration and something he couldn't name yet. Every time Anna laughed at Ethan's jokes or even glanced at him, Nick felt a sharp pang in his chest.
Later, in the library, Ethan sat closer than usual, his hand brushing lightly against Anna's notebook. "You know," he whispered, "I think we make a pretty good team… in more ways than one."
Anna's cheeks warmed, and she looked down at her notes. She felt a confusing pull toward him—a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and something she didn't understand.
Nick, meanwhile, was seated a few tables away, pretending to read. But he couldn't. His thoughts were consumed with Anna—the way she laughed, the way Ethan touched her hand, the way her eyes sparkled.
That night, Nick stared at the ceiling in his room. Why can't I tell her how I feel? he thought. Why does it feel like she's slipping away from me?
Meanwhile, Ethan's plan was working perfectly. He had no intention of confessing yet. First, he would keep her intrigued, flustered, and dependent on his attention. Only later would he take the step to propose. And somewhere, deep inside, he already felt a strange pull toward Anna—something that went beyond his usual charm and games.
The triangle of emotions was tightening. Anna's heart was being tugged in two directions—toward the protective, silent Nick, and toward the daring, charming Ethan. And none of them knew how much more complicated life would soon become.