POV: Bryan
Two months had passed since the school session ended, and life for Bryan had gone back to what he called normal.
Wake up late.
Scroll through social media.
Hit the gym sometimes.
Party every weekend.
Sleep like a king.
He didn't have much to worry about — after all, he was Bryan Benson, Fabulous High's golden boy. His grades were decent, his looks flawless, and his family rich enough to make problems disappear.
That morning, he lounged on his bed in his huge, perfectly arranged room, scrolling lazily through his phone.
His Instagram feed was filled with pictures of friends showing off their vacations — Rachel flaunting designer bags, Joe posing shirtless at the pool, Mimi doing her endless hair tutorials. Bryan smirked at each one, commenting only where it mattered.
Then he tossed his phone aside and stretched, yawning. "Man, school can't open soon enough. I'm getting bored out here."
He got up and went to the mirror, admiring himself — his toned arms, his fresh haircut, his expensive chain glinting in the light.
"Still got it," he muttered with a grin.
Just then, a knock came on his door.
"Come in!"
Mrs. Helen entered, dressed elegantly as usual. "Bryan, you have to start preparing. School resumes in a week."
Bryan groaned. "Ugh, already?"
"Yes, already," his mom replied with a small smile. "And I hope you'll take this term seriously. You've been too distracted lately."
Bryan rolled his eyes. "Mom, I always pass. You worry too much."
She crossed her arms. "And you always underestimate what's important. You're not going to charm your way through life, Bryan."
He smirked, walking past her toward the door. "I don't need to charm my way. Life already likes me."
Mrs. Helen sighed. "You sound just like your father."
Bryan paused, glancing back at her. "That's supposed to be a compliment."
He left her laughing softly as he grabbed his car keys and headed out.
---
Later that afternoon, Bryan met up with Joe at a local café where all the popular students hung out during breaks.
Joe waved him over, already sipping on a milkshake. "Yo, bro! Long time, man!"
Bryan dropped into the chair across from him, grinning. "You act like you didn't just call me yesterday."
Joe laughed. "Still! School's about to start, and I can't wait. I heard there's going to be some serious drama this term."
Bryan leaned back. "Drama? With who?"
Joe shrugged, grinning mischievously. "You know how it is — new students, new faces. But rumor has it, there's this girl transferring from another campus. People say she's drop-dead gorgeous."
Bryan raised an eyebrow. "Really? Another one? They all say that until you see them in real life."
Joe laughed. "Yeah, maybe. But they say this one's different."
Bryan waved him off, unimpressed. "I've seen enough pretty girls, Joe. You know me — I don't chase. They come to me."
Joe nodded in agreement. "True, true. Rachel's still trying to get your attention, by the way. She posted a pic with your name tagged in the caption."
Bryan smirked. "That girl never quits."
He stirred his drink lazily, his thoughts far away. The truth was, school was starting to feel boring to him. Same faces, same stories, same admiration from everyone around him. He didn't realize that this term, everything would change.
That the girl he once called a pig was about to walk back into Fabulous High looking like an angel — and this time, he wouldn't even recognize her.
Maria lay sprawled across her bed, scrolling lazily through her phone when Becky burst into the room, her voice high and dramatic.
"Mariaaa! You won't believe what just happened!"
Maria looked up, raising a brow. "What? Did your crush finally reply your DM?"
Becky rolled her eyes and jumped on the bed beside her, clutching her phone like it was a winning lottery ticket. "Please, forget about crushes. This is bigger."
Maria sat up, intrigued. "Okay, spill it, girl. What's going on?"
Becky's grin was mischievous, her eyes shining. "You remember Joe, right? Bryan's best friend?"
Maria blinked, thinking for a moment. "Of course I remember him. How can I forget that clown? Always laughing at Bryan's stupid jokes."
Becky giggled. "Well… guess who just texted me on Snapchat?"
Maria's eyes widened. "You're lying."
Becky raised her phone like evidence in court. "Girl, do I look like I'm lying? Look—right here!"
She shoved the phone toward Maria, who leaned closer. Sure enough, on Becky's screen was a new message notification from Joe B.
Maria gasped. "What did he say?"
Becky tried to act cool, flipping her hair. "He said, 'Hey pretty, it's Joe. Got your Snap from a friend. You seem cool. Wanna hang out sometime?'"
Maria's jaw dropped. "He actually called you pretty?"
Becky nodded proudly. "Mhm! That's exactly what he said."
Maria shrieked, grabbing her friend's shoulders. "Girl! Joe? The Joe? The one who acts like a mini Bryan?!"
Becky laughed, nearly falling off the bed. "Yes! That same Joe!"
Maria covered her mouth dramatically. "Becky, what's happening?! Are we finally entering our fine girl era?"
Becky burst out laughing. "I think so! Maybe he finally noticed that not every girl in Fabulous High is named Rachel."
They both laughed uncontrollably for a moment, kicking their legs and throwing pillows.
When the laughter calmed, Maria leaned closer, grinning. "So what did you reply?"
Becky blinked innocently. "Oh, nothing… yet."
Maria gasped again. "Nothing?! Becky! You're supposed to play along! This is Joe we're talking about — Bryan's closest friend! Do you know how much gist we'll have if you start hanging out with him?"
Becky smirked. "Relax, woman. I'm not desperate. Let him sweat a little."
Maria rolled her eyes playfully. "Please, that one doesn't even sweat unless he's chasing Rachel around."
They both laughed again, but Maria's tone softened. "But seriously, Becky… you should go. You never know. Joe might actually like you for real. He's playful, but he's not bad."
Becky sighed, staring at the phone again. "Maybe. But I'm not sure. What if it's just a dare or some stupid bet between him and Bryan?"
Maria frowned. "You think he'd do that?"
Becky shrugged. "I don't trust those two rich boys. They love attention. And after your… um… transformation, I'm sure Bryan and his dogs will be out looking for new drama."
Maria chuckled softly but looked away. "Yeah, probably."
Becky studied her for a moment, then smirked. "Speaking of Bryan…"
Maria groaned. "Oh no. Don't start."
Becky ignored her. "You can act cool all you want, but I know you still want him to see you."
Maria blushed, hiding her face behind a pillow. "Stop it, Becky! It's not like that anymore."
Becky giggled. "Sure, sure. Just wait until school reopens. The almighty Bryan will see the almighty Maria, and I bet he won't even recognize you."
Maria peeked over the pillow, a sly smile creeping across her face. "And when he does… let's just say I'll enjoy watching him choke on his own pride."
Becky gasped dramatically. "Oh, I love this version of you! Confident, mysterious, and fine! We're unstoppable, girl."
They both laughed again, giggling like little kids. The rest of the evening was filled with playful teasing, outfit planning, and wild predictions of how the boys at school would react when Maria walked through those gates again.
But under all the laughter, Maria felt something deep inside her — a mix of excitement and fear.
She was finally everything she had dreamed of being…
But she couldn't shake Madam Zarina's last words from her mind:
"Beauty borrowed must always be maintained."