one day Lexi navigated the bustling school hallway with a ease, her bright pink sneakers making a statement. Her long, curly brown hair bounced with each step, and her bright green eyes sparkled with a little mischief. She was known for her sharp wit and infectious laughter, but when it came to love, Lexi was a skeptic.

"Love is just a myth perpetuated by Hallmark and sappy rom-coms," Lexi declared to her friends, Sofia and Jake, during lunch in the cafeteria. They sat at their usual table, surrounded by the chaos of students grabbing lunch and catching up with friends.

Sofia rolled her eyes, tossing her blonde ponytail over her shoulder. "You're just jaded because of your last breakup, Lexi."

Lexi shrugged, popping a fry into her mouth. "I'm just seeing things for what they are – unrealistic expectations and disappointment."

Jake chimed in, his deep voice filled with conviction. "But what about true love, Lexi? You can't deny the possibility."

Lexi snorted, nearly choking on her fry. "True love is like finding a unicorn – it doesn't exist. Trust me, I've seen enough disaster dates to know."

Sofia leaned in, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Maybe you just need to meet the right guy."

Lexi raised an eyebrow. "I doubt it. Guys are either boring, arrogant, or both."

Just then, the school principal's voice echoed over the intercom, interrupting their debate.

"Welcome, students, to our new transfer student, Max Wellington. Please make him feel welcome."

As the new student walked into the cafeteria, Lexi's eyes met his. For a fleeting moment, she felt a spark – a flutter in her chest, a skip in her heartbeat. She quickly brushed it off as mere curiosity.

"Who's that?" Lexi whispered to Sofia, her eyes still locked on Max.

Sofia grinned mischievously. "Rumor has it, he's the star quarterback from his previous school."

Lexi raised an eyebrow. "Great, just what I need – another jock thinking he's God's gift."

Max seemed oblivious to the stares, his confident stride eating up the distance. His messy brown hair and bright blue eyes made him look approachable, but Lexi wasn't buying it.

As Max approached their table, Lexi prepared her defenses. She wouldn't let another charming guy disarm her.

"Hey, mind if I join you?" Max asked, his deep voice sending a shiver down Lexi's spine.

Lexi shrugged, feigning indifference. "It's a free country."

Max smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "sooo Guess I'll take that as a yes."

And with that, Max sat down, turning Lexi's carefully constructed world upside down

Max settled into the empty chair, his broad shoulders and charming smile sending a commanding attention. Lexi's friends exchanged excited glances, but she remained unimpressed.

And not giving any attraction or listening hear to him .

Max launched into a story about his family's relocation due to his father's job. Lexi tuned out, focusing.

curiosity.