It started like any normal afternoon.
The bell rang. I stayed behind to grab a book I had forgotten in the literature class — Room 307.
No one else was around.
As I bent down to grab my book, I heard the door click behind me.
I turned quickly. The handle wouldn't budge.
Panic set in.
"Hello?" I knocked on the door. "Is anyone there? This isn't funny!"
But it was quiet outside. Too quiet.
Until…
I heard the sound of heels.
I rushed to the door and peeked through the glass pane — and there she was.
Serena.
Smirking.
She didn't say anything, just tossed her glossy hair and walked away.
My stomach twisted in disbelief.
She actually locked me in.
---
(Rylan's POV)
I was walking down the hallway when I saw movement near Room 307. Then I heard a knock. Soft, but urgent.
"Ava?" I called, walking up to the door.
"Rylan!" she cried. "She locked me in!"
My chest tightened.
I didn't even ask who she was — I already knew.
"Hang on." I pulled out the emergency key I always carried from my library helper days (don't ask) and popped the lock.
She stumbled out, hair slightly messy, eyes filled with heat and confusion.
"She really did that?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I saw her walk off."
Ava looked up at me, her breathing heavy. "Thank you."
Our eyes locked for a second too long.
"You're always there when I don't expect it," she whispered.
"I guess I just… notice you," I said, voice lower than I intended.
She looked away, cheeks flushing. "I should go find Damien."
Something in my chest ached. But I smiled anyway. "Yeah. Sure."
---
(Back to Ava – Moments Later)
I found Damien in the art room hallway.
Relief flooded me… until I saw what was happening.
Serena was standing dangerously close to him, pretending to examine a poster on the wall. She said something flirty, Damien ignored her.
But then… she stepped in closer, "tripped" on her heel, and fell right into his arms.
I froze at the end of the hallway, staring as she clutched his shirt and laughed.
Damien quickly stepped back like he was burned, pushing her off gently — but the image had already burned into my brain.
And it stung.
He looked up then. Our eyes met.
His expression shifted instantly. Guilt. Frustration. Worry.
But I didn't wait. I turned and walked away.
---
(Damien's POV – Seconds Later)
"What the hell was that?" I snapped.
Serena blinked innocently. "Oops."
I glared. "You did that on purpose."
She stepped closer, smile vanishing. "Ava isn't the only girl here, Damien."
"I neve
r said she was," I said, jaw clenched. "But she's the only one I want."
And then I ran after Ava.
---