At lunchtime, the cafeteria was a hive of chaos.
Rich kids boasted about their latest lipstick obsession, nerds geeked out over their next big project, and the cool dudes debated who their next target for a date would be.
Amid all that noise, Ariana was quietly making her way back to class, clutching her hamburger and cold drink—because, of course, the school had the fanciest cafeteria.
She was used to eating alone, the "shiny one" everyone whispered about but no one dared sit with.
No friends, no tutors, no one to share her lunch.
Just her, floating in her own tiny universe of quiet.
As she walked, lost in thought, her shoulder bumped into someone unexpectedly.
The cold drink spilled in a perfect arc, drenching that person's papers and soaking their clothes.
"Hey! Watch where you're going! Can't you see?" the person snapped, papers scattering everywhere like a chaotic flock of birds.
Panicking, Ariana immediately started rubbing her hands against the stain on his shirt, babbling.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there! I wasn't trying to spill everything— I was just so hungry, hungry, oh my lord, my food—"
Before she could finish her frantic apology, she felt a firm grip on her wrist, as if he was trying to control her like a bossy parent.
She looked up, eyes wide with panic, to see him—her seatmate, He was staring down at her with a no-nonsense glare.
"You're not always looking where you're going, you know?" he said, voice deep and cool, but with a hint of annoyance, like he'd just had enough of her mess.
Ariana shook her head, trying to hide her embarrassment, and looked at the scattered papers.
Among them, she saw his name, "Henry Brooks," scribbled at the top of a sheet.
She quickly bent down and gathered the paper handed him the papers, cheeks flushing red.
"Here, sorry Henry," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
He glared at her with an expression that could melt steel.
"Sorry? For spilling your drink on my shirt and scattering my papers? Sorry? Wow, you really are a walking disaster, huh?"
Ariana's eyes flickered with irritation. "Excuse me? I said I was sorry, didn't I? And I didn't do it on purpose!"
Henry scoffed, crossing his arms. "Oh, sure. 'Didn't do it on purpose.' Like that makes a difference. You're always bumping into people, spilling stuff, and acting like the school's your personal playground. Do you even care?"
"Watch it, Brooks," she shot back, voice rising. "Maybe I don't need a lecture from the guy who almost rod on me with his motorcycle."
His eyes narrowed. "Steal your burger? I just took a bite out of it—big difference. And you're the one who can't walk straight to save her life. Maybe I should start charging you for all the damage you cause."
She clenched her fists, glaring. "Oh, please. You think you're so tough, huh? You're just some guy with a bad attitude and a stick up his—"
Before she could finish, he snatched her burger, taking a large, deliberate bite, looking at her with a mocking smirk.
"Hey! That's my lunch! Give it back! why would you do that!?" she yelled, reaching out.
He chewed slowly, then grinned wide. "Nah. Sorry, this is now my lunch. You're lucky messing with you it's kind of fun."
Ariana's cheeks puffed in frustration. "You're impossible. Just… go away, Henry," she snapped, crossing her arms.
He winked at her, then turned to walk away, still munching on her burger like it was his prize.
She watched him go, muttering under her breath, "He's like a walking, talking tornado… and I'm just the unlucky girl caught in it."
"Seriously, is he my new 'enemy of the year' or what?" she added, glaring after him.
------
After the long, desperate walk home, Ariana finally arrived at her house.
It was a small but cozy place, with white picket fences lining the front yard and a little garden bursting with colorful flowers.
The house itself was modest—bright blue walls with white trim, a tiny porch with a swing that gently swayed in the breeze, and a warm, inviting glow spilling from the windows as evening settled in.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside, removing her coat and hanging it on the hook by the door.
She left only her simple white T-shirt and a skirt, her shoulders slightly slumped from the day's exhaustion.
With a sigh, she rolled up her sleeves and headed straight into the kitchen, where pots and pans were already waiting.
She began preparing dinner, her movements slow but determined, the aroma of cooking filling the air and offering a small comfort amid her mood.
Just as she was almost finished, her phone suddenly rang, breaking the quiet.
She paused, then reached for it, sitting down on the plush couch nearby. She answered softly, a faint bright smile lighting up her face.
"Hello…?" she whispered, voice gentle and hopeful.
But the smile quickly faded when she recognized the caller.
Her expression drooped, and her bright smile turned into a look of disappointment.
"Oh, you're not coming again?. You're going to Billy's house? I understand," she said quietly, a hint of hurt creeping into her voice.
"Why do you sound sad? What happened?" the person on the phone asked, concern evident.
Ariana hesitated, then answered softly, "Oh, it's nothing. I just thought you'd come today since we're far apart."
The person giggled softly on the other end. "Oh, my dear, we will visit you soon. Don't worry. Billy just isn't feeling well."
Ariana let out a sigh, nodding to herself even though he couldn't see her. "Fine. Okay. Goodbye, Mom. Love you."
The call ended with a dramatic click.
She threw her big phone, which was tucked into her black jacket, onto the couch, then ran a hand through her hair, frustration and loneliness swirling in her eyes.
"I made so much food… who am I going to share it with now?" she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with sadness.
She let out a deep groan, then stood up, determination flickering again amid her gloom.
"Let me change my clothes and eat something," she muttered, heading toward her bedroom to change, seeking comfort in the simple routines of her evening.