Kai Anderson

"KAI!" Jackson shouts, even though he’s barely a meter away. For someone who’s supposedly my "best friend," he has zero volume control.

"What the hell, Jack?" I groan, rolling over on the bench I’d claimed for my nap. "Did you really need to shout? Go away—I need my sleep."

I squint up at him, and his face is practically glowing. Great. When Jackson looks this excited, it usually means he’s about to tell me something I really, really don’t care about.

"Aww, sorry, man." He grins, unfazed, dropping down beside me like he owns the bench. "Thought you were off in dreamland. Maybe dreaming about some hot girl in the hallway?"

I sit up, rubbing my eyes and sighing. "What do you want, Jackson?"

"Nothing! Just checking on you, bro," he says, his eyes sparkling with barely-contained gossip. "You look kinda pale."

"Gee, thanks," I mutter. "I’m fine." Not that he needs to know I was up all night binging a K-drama. The heroine was cute, okay? But now I'm paying for it with a headache, and I skipped lunch to nap here in my favorite quiet spot.

Jackson leans in, lowering his voice like he's about to spill the juiciest rumor of the century. "Did you hear? Suzy from 5A—yeah, the pretty one—she dropped out. Rumor has it she got pregnant by some popular senior."

I look at him, blinking slowly. He might as well be speaking another language. I barely know who Suzy is, let alone her love life, but Jackson? He knows everything. He’s like the school’s unofficial news network.

"Talking to you is like talking to a dead tree," he huffs, smacking my arm when I don’t respond.

"Ouch! What do you expect me to say?" I groan. "I don’t even know her."

Jackson pouts. "Just trying to keep you updated, man. You're like... an ancient fossil. Living in your own world."

"Good," I mutter, lying back down and covering my face with my arm. "This stuff isn’t gonna be on the test, Jack."

He rolls his eyes and pulls me up by the collar. "C'mon, sleeping beauty. Break's over, and we’ve got class."

I reluctantly get up and follow him down the hall, blending back into the sea of students in their navy-blue uniforms. The bells are ringing, and kids are hurrying, talking, laughing, bumping into each other. The usual.

After a couple more hours of mind-numbing classes, my head’s still pounding. So, after school, I make a beeline for the infirmary, hoping I can talk the nurse into giving me some painkillers.

I’m distracted, just turning a corner when—

"BUKK!"

I slam into something solid and bounce back, landing on the floor with a thud. I look up, rubbing my sore shoulder… and freeze. Whoa.

I’ve just crashed into the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice calm, like he runs into people every day. He reaches out a hand to help me up.

Dizzy and embarrassed, I scowl. "Why are you standing in the middle of the hallway like a freaking pole, bro?"

He smirks, eyes glinting. "Darling, you’re the one walking with your eyes closed. Even if I wasn’t here, you’d have hit the wall."

I blink. Darling? I barely know this guy, and he’s already calling me pet names?

"Who the hell’s your ‘darling’?" I snap, grabbing his hand and letting him pull me up. He does it so effortlessly, like I weigh nothing.

"You sure you’re okay?" he asks again, still smirking.

I brush off my clothes, avoiding his gaze. Up close, he’s even taller, definitely more muscular, and his eyes… they’re this ridiculous shade of green. Not fair. "I’m fine. No need for the gentleman routine."

He raises an eyebrow. "Just making sure you don’t walk into anyone else, darling." His smirk widens.

I roll my eyes, grabbing my bag. "Damn you," I mutter, and stomp off, my face burning as his amused chuckle follows me down the hall.

---

Keith Morgan

He’s cute. I watch him grab his bag and stomp away, clearly flustered. And I can’t help but smile. Who is this guy? I’ve never seen him around before, and he doesn’t seem to know who I am, either. Which is… refreshing. Not to brag, but most people at this school know me.

"Keith! Why are you still standing there?" Chen calls, popping up beside me. "C'mon, we’re gonna be late for class." He’s just gotten back from the principal’s office, and by the look on his face, he’s barely managed to escape detention. Again.

I glance at him, still distracted. "Did you see that boy?"

Chen raises an eyebrow, looking around. "Which boy?"

"Never mind." I shoulder my bag, still thinking about the guy who called me a "pole" and stormed off. Chen trails behind, curious as always.

"So, what happened?" he asks, clearly trying to piece together the scene in his head. Chen’s been my best friend since our first day here. He’s funny, loyal, and an absolute gossip fiend.

"I ran into someone," I admit, my mind still on that scowl and the way he barely looked at me. "A very cute someone."

Chen groans, rolling his eyes. "Oh, please. Stop hogging all the cute girls—and guys—in this school! Leave some for the rest of us! We need love, too." He slings an arm around my neck, pretending to strangle me while laughing at his own joke.

I shove him off, laughing. "Hey, I’m not chasing anyone. They come to me. I’m just polite enough not to turn them down," I say with an exaggerated, innocent smile. "I only go after people I actually like."

Chen gives me a look. "Sure, sure. The school's Casanova… and gentleman? With a reputation as a heartbreaker, and… let’s see… a legend?"

He grins like an idiot, and I can’t help but laugh. But my mind drifts back to that boy. He was… different. Not like everyone else I know here.

"Keith, why are you smiling like that?" Chen snaps his fingers in front of my face, pulling me out of my thoughts. "You're creeping me out."

Before I can answer, he smacks the back of my head and sprints towards the classroom.

"Damn you, Chen!" I shout after him, laughing as I follow. Still, I can’t shake the image of that boy’s annoyed expression. And that scowl he shot me, like he wanted to be anywhere but near me. Where do I even start?

Kai Anderson

The school is in an uproar over the latest scandal. You'd think being beautiful and brainy would keep you out of trouble, but apparently, that's not how things work around here. This place never lacks drama, and thanks to Jackson, I have a front-row seat to all of it. Not that I asked for it.

Suddenly, an arm loops through mine, and I'm pulled out of my thoughts by a bubbly voice.

"Hi, cutie!" Tasha chirps, pinching my cheek like I'm some kind of plush toy. This is my best friend, Tasha-the reigning queen of gossip, with a laugh as bright as her neon pink hair clips. She's always calling me "cutie" and dragging me around like her personal doll. I don't get it, but I'm used to it.

"Did you hear about Suzy from 5A?" she asks, her eyes lighting up mischievously.

I snort. "What do you think? With Jackson as my best friend, I probably know more about Suzy's life than I do my own."

Tasha laughs, the sound echoing down the hallway. "Good point. So, who do you think the father is?" She wiggles her eyebrows, leaning in as if this is the most scandalous thing to ever happen.

I shrug, trying to look indifferent. "I dunno, and we'll probably never find out, considering she already dropped out of school."

She lets out a disappointed sigh but keeps clinging to my arm. I shift uncomfortably, noticing the glances we're getting from some of our classmates. Tasha loves to act like we're a couple just to make me squirm, and she's succeeding as usual.

"Isn't that Nina over there?" I point to where her friend is standing near the bulletin board, hoping to distract her.

"Oh, yeah! I bet she has some new tea to spill!" she says, letting go of my arm. She pouts for a second, then skips off to join Nina, leaving me with a feeling of relief. I shake my head. Tasha is like a tornado of chaos wrapped in pink accessories.

Just as she disappears, Jackson materializes beside me, frowning. "Hey, where's she going?"

I shoot him a glare. "Oh, now you're here. You ditched me this morning, remember?"

"What? Your mom said you didn't want to get up! I thought you were skipping today," he protests.

I roll my eyes. "I stayed up watching a K-drama, okay?"

Jackson lets out a dramatic sigh. "Dude, you need a life. Go get yourself a real girlfriend. You're not gonna meet these K-drama girls in real life."

I smirk, leaning against the wall. "How do you know? Maybe one day I'll get swept off my feet by a rich CEO or something."

Jackson snorts. "Yeah, good luck with that," he says, rolling his eyes as he starts walking toward class.

But then he stops abruptly, his hand shooting out to grip my arm. "Kai! Look over there."

I follow his gaze and freeze. Standing by the classroom door, looking like he walked straight out of a movie, is the guy I bumped into yesterday. He's wearing a brown jacket over a crisp white shirt, paired with black jeans that fit him way too well. And his hair-casually styled but somehow perfect-frames his face in a way that makes him look almost unreal. His eyes, a piercing shade of green, are scanning the crowd like he owns the place.

"Who's that?" I murmur, not realizing I'm staring. A faint blush creeps onto my cheeks as yesterday's encounter comes rushing back. The guy who dared to call me "darling."

Jackson raises an eyebrow, looking at me with an amused grin. "That's Keith Morgan. You know, the Keith Morgan. The one who's apparently at the center of every gossip in school. Supposedly the father of Suzy's baby, if you believe the rumors."

My curiosity sharpens, though I try to keep my expression neutral. "Seriously? That guy?"

Jackson nods. "Yup. Although most people think Suzy spread that rumor herself. Keith's got a reputation, but he's not the type to abandon someone like that."

"Reputation?" I raise an eyebrow, trying not to sound too interested.

"Oh yeah," Jackson says, clearly enjoying this. "He's bi, apparently. He's had girlfriends and boyfriends, and he's known for being a total gentleman. People fall for him hard. He's... kind of a legend around here."

I roll my eyes, scoffing. "Yeah, right. Gentleman, my ass. More like a player."

Jackson grins. "Why do I feel like he's staring at you?"

My stomach drops. I glance back, and sure enough, Keith's gaze is locked on me, his expression one of mild curiosity... and maybe a hint of amusement. I can feel my face heating up, and before I can stop myself, I flip him off, then turn on my heel and head toward class, hoping he didn't see that blush on my cheeks.

Jackson lets out a low whistle. "You definitely got his attention. He was looking at you like you're his next target."

I groan, running a hand over my face. "No, I don't know him. And I'm not even remotely his type."

Jackson chuckles, slapping me on the back. "Well, you're cute enough to get anyone's attention, Kai. Even if you act like you'd rather disappear."

Sighing, I unzip my bag to fish out my notebook, trying to look nonchalant. "I bumped into him yesterday, okay? And... he called me darling."

Jackson's jaw drops, and he shrieks, sounding almost like Tasha. "Oh my god, darling?! Kai, he's already flirting with you!"

"Shhh! Keep it down!" I hiss, looking around as a few students glance our way. "It's not like that. He's just... annoying."

Jackson grins, clearly enjoying this way too much. "Sure, 'annoying,' right. Admit it-you're flustered."

I feel my face heat up again. "I am not flustered," I mumble, shoving my notebook into my bag with more force than necessary. "I just... didn't expect him to be so... forward."

Jackson snickers. "Welcome to the world of Keith Morgan. Good luck, man. You're gonna need it."

---

Keith Morgan

I watch the kid flip me off, and instead of feeling offended, I can't help but smile. Who is this guy? I'm used to people either fawning over me or pretending not to care, but this guy? He's different. He doesn't seem to know-or care-who I am. And that's... refreshing.

"Keith! You coming or what?" Chen calls, snapping me out of my thoughts as he waves me over.

I glance at him, but my mind is still on the boy who just stormed off. "Did you see that kid who just flipped me off?"

Chen raises an eyebrow, looking around. "Which kid?"

"Never mind," I mutter, but I can't shake the feeling of curiosity. I don't even know his name, but I want to. He looked cute, with that scowl and that stubborn way he brushed me off. Most people don't treat me like that. It's... interesting.

As I head toward class with Chen, he nudges me. "So, I hear Suzy's rumor-mongering again. Apparently, you're her baby daddy?"

I groan, rolling my eyes. "Oh, please. That's ridiculous."

Chen smirks. "You're the school's most eligible bachelor, after all. Everyone wants a piece of you."

I shrug, but my mind is already wandering back to the guy I bumped into. I have no idea why he's gotten under my skin so quickly, but something about him just... sticks.

"Keith, are you even listening?" Chen waves a hand in front of my face, and I shove him away, laughing.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm here," I say, chuckling. But my gaze drifts to where I last saw him. The kid with the quick temper and the cute scowl. What was his name?.

Maybe this year won't be as boring as I thought.

Kai Anderson

Class starts as usual, and I settle into my spot at the back by the window. It’s a little slice of peace in a crowded school, just how I like it. I’m not the type who thrives on attention or chatter; Jackson does enough of that for both of us. He’s the one talking a mile a minute while I get to fade into the background. Works perfectly.

We get a ten-minute break before the next class, and Jackson bolts as soon as the bell rings. He’s always off on some mysterious mission. I lean back, letting my gaze drift outside to the basketball court, where a group of students is playing a pick-up game. My eyes skim over them until they catch on one particular player.

It’s him.

The guy from yesterday. The one who called me “darling.”

He moves with easy confidence, weaving through his teammates, his t-shirt clinging to his athletic build. The guy practically commands attention without even trying; I can tell I’m not the only one watching him. Some students are taking pictures, others are whispering and pointing. It’s absurd, really. How popular can one person be? I roll my eyes, but for some reason, I can’t seem to look away.

I think back to that annoying smirk he flashed at me yesterday, and before I know it, I feel a blush creeping up my neck. Ugh. Why am I even thinking about this guy?

Suddenly—

BAM!

“God dammit, Jack!” I nearly fall out of my chair as Jackson slams his hand down on my desk, grinning like he’s caught me red-handed.

“What are you staring at?” he asks, craning his neck to see out the window. “Were you stalking that guy?”

I feel my face heat up even more. “No, I wasn’t,” I mutter, scrunching my nose. “He just… happened to be there when I looked outside.”

“Uh-huh. Sure.” Jackson’s grin widens, his eyes glinting with mischief. “I’ve known you since birth, Kai. You don’t look at anyone like that. Care to tell me what’s going on?”

“There’s nothing going on,” I insist, crossing my arms in what I hope is a casual pose. “You’re just imagining things.”

But judging by Jackson’s growing smirk, I’m not convincing anyone. “Oh, really? Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, I’m sure!” I snap, trying to play it off, but Jackson’s already snickering.

---

Later, as we head to the cafeteria, Jackson is still buzzing with his latest idea.

“Kai! Let’s go to that meet-and-greet with the girls from Heavenly High after school. Josh said they’re, like, super high-class.” He gives me a hopeful look, his hand resting on my shoulder—no, wait, lower than my shoulder. I shrug him off, rolling my eyes.

“Jack, get your hand off my butt,” I mutter.

He just laughs and shifts his hand up. “Come on, Kai, pleeease? I’m telling you, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You need to start living a little.”

Before I can respond, a familiar voice shouts across the cafeteria.

“Jack! Kai! Over here!” Tasha’s practically standing on her chair, waving like a madwoman. She always does this, as if we wouldn’t notice her without the theatrics.

I shake my head, muttering under my breath as Jackson heads straight for her. I make a detour to the food line, hoping to grab a sandwich in peace.

But then—

BAM!

This time, it’s me who bumps into someone. I nearly drop my tray, but a strong hand grips my shoulder, steadying me. I look up, ready to mumble an apology, only to find myself staring straight into those mesmerizing green eyes.

It’s him. Keith.

He’s smiling, that teasing, confident smirk that I remember all too well. “Anytime, darling,” he says, his voice smooth and unbothered, like he’s completely aware of how flustered I am. My face heats up even more, and I realize his hand is still on my waist, steadying me.

I step back quickly, my heart pounding. “Thanks, I… uh, sorry.” I glance around, trying to figure out what I actually bumped into. There’s another guy beside him, giving me a curious look. He’s mixed-Asian like me, and he’s staring at me like I’m some kind of alien.

“Uh, sorry, didn’t mean to bump into you,” I mumble, grabbing my food and hurrying away, feeling Keith’s gaze burning into my back the entire time.

As I head over to join my friends, I start to notice something weird. People are whispering, glancing in my direction, some even outright staring. It’s like I’m under a spotlight, and I don’t like it one bit.

I look up and meet a sea of curious eyes.

Oh god. I want to scream.

---

Keith Morgan

“Do you know that guy?” Chen nudges me, following my gaze.

I can’t take my eyes off him—the awkward, flustered boy who nearly tumbled backward when he saw me. He’s with his friends now, looking like he’d rather disappear than deal with the attention. But there’s something about him… something different. He’s comfortable being in the background, unlike everyone else who usually tries to stand out. It’s refreshing.

“Earth to Keith!” Chen waves a hand in front of my face, smirking. “Man, you’re seriously zoning out. What’s up?”

I blink, coming back to reality. “Oh, him. He’s the one I bumped into yesterday. The one who called me a ‘pole.’”

Chen raises his eyebrows, amused. “And…? He caught your interest?”

I shrug, trying to keep it casual. “I just want to know his name, that’s all. Don’t go scaring him off, okay? He seems decent.”

Chen’s smirk widens. “Wow. The Keith Morgan, interested in someone who barely even glanced at you? This is a new development.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t hide the small smile tugging at my lips. “I just find him interesting, that’s all.”

Chen snickers, clearly enjoying this. “Interesting, huh? I can already see it. That poor guy’s about to lose all his peace.”

I glance back at Kai, who’s sitting with his friends, looking like he’s still recovering from the cafeteria incident. Part of me wonders if he knows what he’s gotten himself into. Probably not. And honestly? I kind of like that.