Why does this always happen to me?
( I swear, I never asked to be the center of attention, but somehow, I always end up right there — in kindergarten, in middle school, in high school… and now, in college too. It's like the universe has some weird obsession with watching me suffer in silence).
And today? It's no different.
(The moment he said my name — loud and clear in front of everyone — I felt every single head turn toward me. My stomach twisted, my breath hitched, and all I could think was, please, someone make me invisible.)
( I could literally feel my cheeks heat up as Luca stood there, catching his breath like he just ran a marathon, eyes locked straight on me. The professor looked annoyed, the class went quiet, and there I was… wishing the floor would just swallow me whole).
Yeah. Great.
(First day, first class — and I'm already the main character of everyone's gossip. Again).
But My thoughts cut off when Mr. Harrison said, "Luka, go and take your seat."
(I watched him walk straight toward my desk, and my heart almost stopped. There was no seat left beside me, so he went for the one right behind me. Great.)
Now, I could literally feel his eyes on me — that heat burning into the back of my head.
He was definitely glaring.
( I tried to focus on what the professor was saying, but every second felt like a test of patience).
(God, you're really playing a cruel game with me, I thought, pressing my pen harder against the page, pretending like I didn't care when every nerve in my body was screaming otherwise).
I take a long breath, trying to cool my mind, and focus back on the notes in front of me.
( Forty minutes later, the class finally ends. Everyone says thank you to the professor, and I quickly gather my things. Ava must be waiting for me, and honestly, I can't stay another second in this tense atmosphere).
I don't dare look back at Luca — I don't want to see his smirk or hear that annoying word *Liar.*
(Just as I'm lost in thought, a soft voice pulls me back) .
"Aira," Mila says, her tone slightly curious.
"Yes?" I turn to her.
She studies me for a second, her brows drawing together. "Are you okay? If you want, come with us to the cafeteria. We were heading there anyway."
I give her a small, tired smile. "Hmm… yeah, okay. But my other friend is also waiting for me outside. So, if you two don't mind, she can join us too."
Before Mila could reply, Rhea speaks, her voice shy and uncertain. "Y-yeah, of course she should come… right, Mila?"
Mila smiles warmly. "Of course. Let's go."
(We walk toward the door, and the moment we step out of the classroom, I spot Ava standing there, smiling like sunshine).
"Hey, Aira!" she waves excitedly.
I can't help but smile back. "Hey, Ava."
[Her eyes shift to Mila and Rhea beside me].
"Oh! I forgot," I say quickly. "Ava, meet Mila and Rhea — they're in my class."
(Ava greets them with her usual cheerful charm, shaking hands and flashing that bright grin that could make anyone like her in seconds).
"Can we go now?" Mila asks, adjusting her bag.
"Yeah, of course," I reply, and we start walking toward the cafeteria together.
As we walk down the hallway, Ava begins telling me about her first class. "You won't believe it! My class is full of business-minded people — like, seriously, everyone there talks in money and stocks."
She rolls her eyes dramatically. "But I did make one friend… though she's kinda introverted. Doesn't like talking to new people much, so she didn't come along."
( I laugh lightly, listening to her endless chatter. Ava keeps talking, Mila and Rhea listen with quiet smiles, and somehow, the walk feels lighter. Maybe it's her energy… or maybe, for the first time today, I'm actually starting to feel like I belong here).
And soon, we arrive at the cafeteria.
( The moment we step in, the smell of coffee and warm food hits me. It's loud — everyone's laughing, chatting, enjoying their breaks — but still, it feels lively, like a scene straight out of a college movie) .
We grab our trays, take our lunch —and look around for a place to sit.
( The cafeteria was huge — sunlight pouring in through the tall glass walls that almost touched the ceiling. The whole place was buzzing with chatter, laughter, and the clinking sound of trays. On one side, there were long tables filled with students talking loudly, and on the other, small round tables for those who liked quiet corners).
We found a table near the glass wall where sunlight touched the edge of our seats. Ava excitedly placed her tray down — a big burger with fries and a strawberry milkshake.
Mila went for something lighter — a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of green tea.
Rhea, as expected, had a salad with orange juice, quietly nibbling but smiling at Ava's jokes.
I picked a simple plate of pasta and a cold coffee, because honestly, my mind still wasn't ready for anything too heavy. I was trying to calm my thoughts, not feed them.
Ava started talking again, waving her fries like she was doing a presentation. "You know what? My professor looked like he came straight out of a business magazine — suit, tie, and that scary calm expression."
( We were all laughing together, our voices blending with the cafeteria's noise. Rhea talked the least, but she was clearly enjoying our company—her shy smile said enough. I was just starting to relax when a familiar voice sliced through the laughter, stopping me cold).
"Hey, Little Liar," the voice drawled. "Still pretending to be an economics major?"
My heart sank. I looked up—and there he was. *Luka.* Standing a few steps away, that teasing smirk plastered across his annoyingly handsome face.
( All three of my friends—Ava, Rhea, and Mila—turned to stare at me like I had just committed a crime).
Ava's brows furrowed. "Who is *that* guy?"
Before I could say anything, Luka casually dropped himself into the empty chair beside me, leaned back, and said in that deep, playful tone,
"I'm her boyfriend."
[That one sentence was enough to make all three of them gasp in unison].
"What?!" they practically shouted, their voices echoing across nearby tables.
People from the other tables turned to look. Great. Just great. I flashed them an awkward smile before hissing at my friends,
"L-listen, he's lying!"
I turned sharply toward Luka. "Why are you lying, Luka?"
He grinned wider, eyes glinting with amusement. "Why would I lie? The liar department's already under *your* control."
"Haha, nice joke, Luka," I said flatly, giving him the most disgusted look I could manage.
"Aww," he teased, "you look cute when you glare at me like that."
"Shut up, Luka," I snapped. "Now go. We're trying to have lunch—give us some space."
He chuckled, tapping his finger on the table. "Space? Hmm… not really in the mood to give you that. So, what are you eating, huh? Mmm— btw nice pasta. Can I take a bite?"
I quickly pulled my plate toward me. "No. Never. Go get your own."
He pouted dramatically. "Come on, pleseee."
"Are you kidding me right now?" I groaned. "Don't do that—it doesn't suit a big guy like you. Go get your own pasta if you want to eat. I'm *not* sharing mine."
He huffed like a spoiled kid. "The pasta's finished, and I really want some. I promise, just one bite—and then I'll leave you alone."
"I don't trust you," I muttered.
"Listen, Little Liar,"he said, voice softening, "I don't break promises. So give me one bite, okay?"
I sighed. "Promise, right?"
"Promise," he said with a grin.
Thinking for a second, I slid my plate toward him. "Fine. But don't use *that* fork—go get a new one. I've already eaten with this."
He just smiled wider… and then, to my utter shock, picked up my fork and took a bite.
I froze, eyes wide.
He ate with the same fork.
The same fork Iused.
For a moment, my brain just… stopped working.
Did he seriously just—
( He looked completely unbothered, chewing slowly like he hadn't just crossed every possible boundary).
"W-what are you doing?" I stammered, my voice louder than I intended.
He glanced at me with that stupid smirk still dancing on his lips. "Relax, Little Liar. It's just a fork, not a marriage proposal."
I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks. My heart was pounding so hard it was embarrassing. "You—you're unbelievable!" I snapped, trying to sound angry, but my voice came out more breathless than furious.
Luka shrugged, swirling the fork in the pasta again. "Well, what can I say? The food tastes better when it's yours."
I wanted to bury my face in my hands.
"God, you're impossible," I muttered.
He leaned closer, resting his elbow on the table, eyes locked on me. "You'll learn to like impossible someday, Little Liar."
( That made my breath hitch. He said it so casually, like it meant nothing—but something in his voice, something about the way he looked at me, made my stomach twist).
I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on my drink. "You already broke your promise. You said you'd leave after one bite."
He chuckled softly, that low sound vibrating between us. "Oh, did I? Guess I'm a bad influence."
"Luka, go now. Don't break your promise."
(He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my face, warm enough to make my heart skip a beat).
"Listen, he murmured, his tone low and teasing, "don't be like that. I'm starting to like you more. And about my promise—" he straightened, a smirk curling on his lips, "I'm keeping it."
He winked, turned, and walked away, leaving me frozen in place.
Literally… what was that? My mind went blank for a second. Why is he like that?
[God, why does every universe I step into come with one person whose full-time hobby is ruining my peace?]
"Wait—really? He was your boyfriend?" Ava's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. Her eyes were wide, almost sparkling with shock.
I blinked and shook my head. "No. He was lying."
"Then why would he lie like that?" she asked, curiosity dripping from her tone.
I sighed, resting my hands on the table. "It's a long story," I muttered, and told them everything—our first encounter, the hallway argument, the stupid lie I told him, and how he somehow ended up in my class.
By the time I finished, all three of them were staring at me with sympathetic eyes.
"I'm fine," I said quickly, forcing a smile. "Really."
(Soon, lunch was over. Ava left for her next class, and Mila, Rhea, and I went to ours. I spent the next few hours taking notes, trying to focus. But I could still feel that smirk burning into my back from the last bench—Luka, watching me like he knew exactly how much he got under my skin.)
( I ignored him completely. The last thing I don't needed was rumors spreading about me on my first day.)
Finally, the day ended. Ava, Mila, Rhea, and I walked out of the college gates together.
Ava sighed dramatically. "Ugh, my classes are finally over, but I don't like this part. I don't want to go home and separate from you guys."
Mila laughed softly. "Ava, don't be so sad. We're meeting tomorrow—same time, same college."
Rhea smiled shyly. "Y-yeah, and we also have also each other's numbers. Maybe we should make a group chat?"
I nodded. "That's a great idea, Rhea."
Ava's face brightened instantly. "Ooh, perfect! But sorry guys I want to go now—my driver is waiting."
I smiled and said, "It's okay, Ava, you go."
She smiled and said goodbye to us and went towards the car
We waved as she got into her car, and her driver drove off.
"Okay," Mila said, turning to us. "Rhea, I'll drop you off. You want me to drop you too, Aira? I've got my car."
I smiled. "No, you two go ahead. I think Mom's coming to pick me up."
"You sure?" Rhea asked softly.
"Yeah," I said. "I'm sure. Go ahead."
"Okay," Mila said. "Take care, Aira. See you tomorrow!"
( They waved and headed toward the parking lot. I pulled out my phone. I hadn't checked it all day—making new friends had been enough to keep me busy.)
A message blinked on my screen. *Mom:* I'm busy today Sweetie. Come home with Rylan.
My eyes widened. "Rylan? Really?" I groaned. "I'd rather walk ten miles barefoot."
( I shoved my phone again into my pocket and started walk toward the main gate. Just then, a sleek black sports car pulled up. Every head turned. Rylan stepped out, looking effortlessly perfect, as usual.)
Our eyes met. His stare was cold—sharp enough to cut. Then a girl stepped out from the main building, and Rylan… hugged her.
[ My chest tightened. Why did that hurt? I don't even like him. Do I?]
He opened the car door for her; she smiled and got in. Before leaving, Rylan glanced at me again—one last glare that stung more than I wanted to admit—then drove away.
"Seriously, Mom?" I muttered. "You told me to come with him, and he didn't even ask me once." I scoffed.
Awful glare, huh?" the deep voice came from behind me.
( I turned around—and there he was. Luka. Leaning casually against his motorcycle, helmet in one hand, that infuriating smirk back on his face).
"What do you want now, Luka?" I asked, crossing my arms.
He tilted his head. "Hmm… I think I want *you.*"
I rolled my eyes. "Shut up. I'm not in the mood for jokes."
He grinned wider. "So what are you in the mood for, then—a kiss?"
"Ugh, Luka! Stop it," I snapped.
"Whoa, whoa. Calm down, little liar." He raised his hands in mock surrender. "No teasing. Promise. I just want to know—who was that guy? You know him? Something between you two?"
"He's nothing," I said sharply. "Now, I'm going."
"Hey, little liar, wait. I'll drop you."
"I don't need your help."
He chuckled. "It's not help, okay? I'm just giving you a ride."
"No," I said firmly. "Now go."
His smirk deepened. "If you don't get on, tomorrow I'll put an article on the bulletin board saying I love you aira."
My jaw dropped. "What?! Are you stupid?"
He just laughed. "So, what'll it be? Get on… or risk the headline?"
( I hesitated. I didn't know the bus routes yet. I didn't even know the way home. My pride screamed *no,* but logic whispered *yes.*)
"Okay," I said finally.
He grinned, clearly victorious. "That's my girl."
He grabbed the spare helmet, held it out, and said, "Come closer."
"Why?" I frowned.
"Why do you ask so many questions? Just come closer."
I sighed, stepped toward him. He gently placed the helmet on my head, fingers brushing my hair. "Perfect," he said softly. "Now sit behind me."
I climbed onto the bike.
"Hold on tight," he said, starting the engine.
( I gripped his jacket, the rumble of the motorcycle echoing through the air. Wind rushed against my face as we sped down the road, my thoughts spiraling.)
Who was that girl with Rylan? Was she his girlfriend? Or not?
Either way, that ache in my chest wouldn't stop.
Why was I thinking about him?
Why was I thinking about *Rylan*?
AUTHOR NOTE
Hey readers! 💕
A big thank you to the one who added Forbidden Fates to their collection! Your support means so much to me — it truly made my day 🤍
Your little bit of support means a lot to me — it's truly enough to keep me going.
And if you've started liking the story, don't forget to drop a comment! It motivates me even more — and of course, for Rylan and Aira too 🖤
Once again, thank you so much for being here with me!
— Veronica_Moon 🌙