Chapter One: The Collision
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long, golden shadows across the cracked pavement of Maple Street. Rovi's heart pounded with every hurried step, the weight of the day pressing down on her shoulders. She held her books tightly, weaving through the scattered crowds near the park. She was late, as usual, and the nagging voice in her head told her she should have left earlier.
Ahead, a skateboarder approached, weaving smoothly between pedestrians. His dark hair fluttered in the breeze, and his confident stance made him seem untouchable—like he belonged to another world altogether.
Rovi barely registered him until it was too late.
Her foot caught awkwardly on a loose stone, and she stumbled forward, her arm flailing—just as he zoomed past. The world spun for a moment as their paths collided. His skateboard jolted off course, but the boy caught himself with a swift step. Rovi's forehead stung sharply, warm blood trickled down her temple.
“I’m so sorry!” she blurted, eyes wide with panic. Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and fled, heart racing wildly as the sharp sting of embarrassment and fear flooded her senses.
In her haste, she didn’t notice the strap slipping from her shoulder. Her bag fell to the ground with a soft thud, books and papers spilling out onto the pavement.
The boy watched her disappear down the street, a curious look crossing his face. Without a word, he bent down, scooping up the scattered contents and her bag, and stood there patiently, waiting—hoping she might come back.
