Nathan's eyes were fixed on hers, burning with intensity. He took a step closer, his voice low and smooth. "Amelia, will you... be my girlfriend?" Amelia didn't hesitate. "I'm sorry, Nathan. But my answer is no."
She turned and walked away, Sydney and Bella by her side.
Sydney leaned in. "Seriously, Amelia? Why can't you give him a chance? The guy's obviously into you."
Amelia's lips pressed into a thin line. "He's not serious. Feels like… a bet with his friends or something."
Bella tilted her head, one brow arching. "And you know this how?"
Amelia just gave a small shrug. "I can tell."
Sydney bumped her shoulder with a playful grin. "You never know unless you try. What's the worst that could happen?"
Amelia hesitated, chewing the inside of her cheek. "Fine. I'll… think about it."
"That's my girl!" Sydney beamed, satisfied.
---
Across campus, Nathan paced in tight circles, sneakers scuffing the ground. "Why does she keep shutting me out? What am I doing wrong?"
Jake leaned against the wall, hands in his hoodie pockets. "Maybe she's just… cautious."
Nathan stopped, pinning him with a look. "Cautious about what?"
Jake scratched the back of his neck. "Your… reputation. You know, the whole playboy thing."
Nathan's jaw clenched. For a second, something like guilt flashed in his eyes before he straightened. "That's old news. I'm not that guy anymore."
Jake gave a slow nod. "Then tell her. Better yet—invite her to the party Friday. Show her you're serious."
A determined smile tugged at Nathan's lips. "Yeah. I'll do that."
Neither noticed Julia leaning against the lockers just around the corner, phone already in hand.
"Rose, you're not gonna believe this," she whispered as soon as the call connected.
---
"Rose, Rose, Rose," Julia sang into the phone, her voice edged with urgency.
On the other end, Rose's sigh crackled through the line. "What now, Julia? I'm trying to get my makeup perfect for Nathan."
Julia smirked. "Well, your precious Nathan is about to ask Amelia to Friday's party."
The pause was brief but sharp. Rose's voice dropped, cold as glass. "Her? No. Not happening."
Julia's curiosity perked. "And you're going to…?"
"Handle it," Rose said smoothly. "Just follow my lead."
Julia hesitated. "Rose, don't go too far"
A low, amused laugh cut her off. "Relax. I know exactly what I'm doing."
---
The afternoon sun warmed the front steps of Melody High as Amelia, Sydney, and Bella waited for their rides. Sydney and Bella's driver pulled up first, and they waved goodbye.
"See you tomorrow!" Sydney called out of the window.
Amelia gave a tired smile, glancing at her watch. The minute hand inched forward. No sign of her driver.
A sleek car rolled up. She lifted her head, expecting to see her driver's familiar face only to find Nathan leaning over the wheel with a grin.
"Need a lift?" he asked.
She shook her head. "It's fine. My driver will be here."
Nathan's smile tilted. "Been here a while and he's still not? Come on, I promise I won't bite."
After a brief pause, she opened the passenger door. "Fine."
The ride was quiet but charged, the air between them thick with unspoken words.
When they reached her house, Nathan hopped out to open the door.
"Thanks for the ride," she said softly.
He leaned on the doorframe, eyes searching hers. "Amelia, will you come to the party tomorrow? Just… as my date."
Her chest tightened. "If I come, I'm bringing my friends."
"That's fine," he said quickly, a smile breaking across his face.
Before she could step away, he leaned in, his lips brushing her cheek, lightly but enough to send heat rushing to her face. She stood there, stunned as he jogged back to his car.