One day, like any other, Dan was sitting at his desk, staring out the window, lost in his thoughts. His mind bounced between different questions:
"What should I tell the girl who confessed to me yesterday? Which group of friends should I hang out with today? Should I help the science teacher after class?"
Deep down, though, he secretly wished for something exciting—maybe a challenge.
Meanwhile, in another classroom, Naomi was also sitting at her desk staring outside, but lost in her own world. The only things she worried about were exams and group projects, because no one ever wanted to team up with her. She always ended up being the last choice. Other than that, she didn't worry much—she didn't have friends inviting her out, and her only friend was always busy. So she spent most of her time studying.
During P.E. class, Dan's class and Naomi's class were dismissed at the same time. The teacher explained the instructions, and both classes began their stretching exercises.
After warming up, they started running laps around the track. When they finished, the teacher gave the boys time to play soccer. A match was formed: Naomi's class VS Dan's class.
The girls sat in the bleachers, watching while the boys began to play. As always, Dan performed exceptionally well, catching the attention of all the girls.
The match ended 3–1 in favor of Dan's class. The girls cheered with small screams and compliments directed at Dan.
When the P.E. period was almost over, the students chatted on the field. Dan was talking with his friends, while Naomi sat alone on a bench—her friend Sofía hadn't come to school… because she was too lazy, something completely normal for her.
Everything was calm until Jhonatan glanced at Naomi for a few seconds, and suddenly an idea crossed his mind. He turned toward Dan with a mischievous, challenging tone.
"Hey Dan, I've got a bet for you."
"What kind of bet? I'm all ears," Dan said with a curious smile.
"Your challenge is to win over Naomi—the shyest girl in the whole school," Jhonatan said with a smirk.
Dan raised his eyebrows slightly at hearing Naomi's name, but then smiled.
"Oh? And what do I get if I succeed?"
Jhonatan thought for a moment, then answered:
"If you actually manage to go out with her and make her fall for you, I'll give you or do anything you ask for, no questions asked."
His family was extremely wealthy and held strong influence in business.
Dan was a bit surprised, but replied:
"Alright, I accept."
Jhonatan smiled victoriously and raised his hand to seal the deal.
"You have from now until graduation. Deal?"
Graduation was one year and five months away.
"Deal. This will be easy. I'll only need a month," Dan said confidently as he shook Jhonatan's hand.
Dan stood up and began walking toward Naomi.
"Hope you're ready to keep your promise," he said with a grin.
Jhonatan, Josías, and Brandon watched Dan approach Naomi. Jhonatan shouted to cheer him on:
"Good luck!"
Dan approached as Naomi stood up from the bench. He smiled warmly.
"Hi… Naomi, right? Nice to meet you."
Naomi looked at him—then walked away without saying a word, leaving Dan talking to himself.
Dan rolled his eyes at her rejection. It was the first time someone had ever turned him down.
"Wow… this is going to be harder than I expected," he muttered.
His friends burst into laughter after witnessing his first rejection—but this was only the beginning of the bet.
Naomi walked calmly toward the building. As soon as she stepped inside, her cheeks turned bright red. She held her face with both hands.
She didn't reject him because she disliked him; she was simply far too nervous and embarrassed to say anything.
Her mind flooded with unanswered questions:
"Why did he talk to me? Do I owe him something?"
She couldn't find a single logical reason for Dan's sudden approach.
Dan stared in the direction she had gone, then smiled with determination.
"This is just the beginning."