"The sun peeked through the curtains as I rushed to get ready for my morning class. My name is Luna, and today felt like a race against time. With only an hour to spare, I hurried downstairs for breakfast. Laughter and conversation floated up the stairs as I approached. My family sat together, faces glowing with joy as they shared stories over a meal.**

**I hesitated on the steps\, torn. Would my presence disrupt their happiness? The warmth and contentment at the table stirred something deep within me—a longing to belong\, to share in their joy."**

**"I brushed the thought aside. It didn’t matter. I’d eat at school. The idea of intruding on their laughter felt unbearable. My chest tightened with a weight I couldn’t shake. Steam filled the bathroom as I showered\, but it didn’t melt the cold knot in my stomach.**

**When I finally went downstairs\, silence greeted me. The dining table was empty\, stripped of the joy I’d glimpsed earlier. It was as if their laughter had been a dream\, leaving behind only an ache. I ate alone\, my appetite gone\, the house feeling emptier with every bite.**

**After finishing\, I wandered into the living room. My dad sat quietly\, his presence steady against the storm of emotions inside me. Pain twisted in my chest\, sharp and unrelenting\, but I stepped closer\, seeking an anchor."**

**"Dad\," I began\, my voice trembling. My eyes darted around the room\, avoiding his gaze. He was focused on the evening news\, his expression unreadable.**

**The weight of dread pressed down on me. "Dad\," I repeated\, barely a whisper. "I... I need some money."**

**He finally looked up\, his eyes narrowing. "What is it this time\, Luna?" His tone was sharp\, laced with impatience.**

**My heart pounded painfully. "I... I don’t have enough\," I stammered\, voice trembling.**

**He sighed heavily\, reaching into his wallet. Tossing a few bills on the table\, he returned his attention to the TV. "Here\," he said gruffly. "Don’t waste it."**

**I picked up the money\, my fingers shaking. "Thank you\," I whispered\, my voice barely audible. Then I fled the room\, the weight of his disapproval settling heavily on my shoulders."**

**I arrived at school and spotted my friends walking together. I ran to catch up with them. "Hi\, guys\," I greeted.**

**"Hi\, Luna\," Amelia replied. "We thought you weren’t coming today."**

**I noticed them exchanging glances\, but I just smiled. "Yeah\, I thought so too\, but maybe there’s a quiz or an exam\, so I decided to come anyway\," I said\, forcing another smile. They smiled back at me\, though I could feel the tension beneath their expressions. I knew they’d stabbed me in the back before\, but I always kept my mouth shut.**

**We reached the classroom and took our seats\, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.**

**The teacher walked into the classroom\, and we stood up. "Good morning\, class\," she greeted. "Good morning\, Ma’am Grace!" we replied in unison. "You may all be seated\," she said\, her voice steady. She began the lesson\, her words filling the room\, but my focus wavered. One subject flowed into the next until lunchtime finally arrived.**

**"Girls\, let’s grab lunch at McDonald’s\," Olivia suggested\, her tone commanding as usual.**

**"Luna\, want to join?" Victoria asked\, flashing a quick smile.**

**"Yeah\, sure\," I said\, forcing a grin.**

**As we headed out\, I glanced at my three friends. Olivia\, the queen bee\, reveled in her status. Victoria\, the cheerleader\, exuded confidence\, and Amelia\, the athlete\, always radiated energy. Then there was me—the smart one. Together\, people called us the "Perfect Queens." Hideous\, right? I know. But we embraced the name\, if only to live up to the expectations tied to our wealthy last names. We never mingled with those outside our circle—it was an unspoken rule to uphold our image.**

After lunch, we headed back to school, chatting as we walked.

"Guys, what if we go shopping after school?" Olivia suggested, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

"I think we should! It's so boring at home—I need to have fun!" Victoria agreed enthusiastically.

Olivia turned to us. "How about you two?"

"What else can I do but agree? Right, girls?" Amelia exclaimed, her usual energy bubbling over.

Victoria laughed. "That's right, Amelia."

Then Olivia’s gaze landed on me. "How about you, Luna? Wanna join?"

I looked at them, forcing a smile. I always told myself they were my friends, but deep down, I knew the truth. Still, I stayed quiet, pretending not to notice.

"What now? Are you coming or not? You're taking too long just staring at me!" Olivia huffed, rolling her eyes.

I snapped out of my thoughts. "I'm sorry. Yeah, of course, I’ll come," I said, forcing another smile.

The final bell rang, and we left school together, heading toward the mall. Olivia led the way, as always, walking with the confidence of someone who knew she was admired. Victoria and Amelia followed, chatting excitedly about the latest trends, while I trailed slightly behind, lost in my own thoughts.

Inside the mall, the bright lights and polished floors reflected the illusion of perfection we all pretended to uphold. Olivia pulled us toward a high-end boutique, her eyes lighting up at the sight of designer bags and dresses.

"This is so cute!" Victoria gushed, holding up a dress against herself.

"Luna, you should try this on!" Amelia said, shoving an outfit into my hands.

I stared at it for a moment before nodding. "Sure."

I played along, laughing at their jokes, pretending to enjoy every moment. But in reality, I felt like an outsider in my own group. They called us the "Perfect Queens," but perfection was just a mask—one I wasn't sure I could keep wearing.

After what felt like hours of browsing and trying on clothes, we finally stepped out of the store, shopping bags swinging in our hands. Olivia was beaming, showing off her latest purchase—a limited-edition designer purse. "Ugh, I'm starving. Let's grab something to eat," she announced.

"Ooh, let’s get bubble tea!" Amelia suggested excitedly.

Victoria nodded. "Yes! I could go for something sweet."

We made our way to a nearby café, settling into a cozy corner booth. The girls continued chatting, scrolling through their phones, occasionally showing each other pictures of celebrities or new fashion trends. I sipped my drink quietly, listening but not really engaging.

Then Olivia turned to me. "Luna, you're so quiet today. What's up with you?"

I hesitated. "Nothing, just tired."

She raised an eyebrow. "Tired of what? Shopping? Hanging out with us?"

The way she said it sent a sharp pang through my chest. "No, of course not. I just didn’t sleep well last night."

"Hmm. You should really take care of yourself, Luna," Victoria said, her tone light but her eyes studying me closely.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, I will."

The conversation drifted back to their usual gossip, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Olivia was still watching me, waiting for a slip-up. I kept my mask on, pretending everything was fine, but deep down, I wondered—how much longer could I keep up this act?

As we finished our drinks, Olivia suddenly sat up straighter, her eyes gleaming with an idea. "Let’s take a picture," she said, already pulling out her phone. "We need to update our socials."

Victoria and Amelia immediately perked up. "Yes! Perfect lighting here," Victoria said, fixing her hair.

I forced another smile as Olivia positioned the camera. We all leaned in, striking the perfect poses, flashing practiced smiles. The camera clicked, and just like that, our perfect image was captured. A lie wrapped in filters and flattering angles.

"Cute! I’ll post it now," Olivia said, typing away.

I glanced at the screen as she added the caption: *Another perfect day with my favorite people. #Besties #PerfectQueens.*

I swallowed hard. Perfect. That word again. I should’ve been used to it by now, but each time I saw it, the weight on my chest grew heavier.

As we walked out of the café, my phone buzzed with a message. My heart sank as I read it.

*Dad: Don’t be late. We need to talk.*

I clenched my jaw, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. I had a feeling I knew what this conversation was going to be about, and I wasn’t ready for it.

"Luna, you okay?" Amelia asked, nudging me.

I forced yet another smile. "Yeah, I’m fine."

Another lie.

The ride home felt heavier than usual. My hands gripped the steering wheel tighter as I tried to prepare myself for whatever was waiting for me. When I pulled into the driveway, the sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the house—a warmth I didn't feel inside.

I stepped through the front door, and there he was. My father, sitting at the dining table, his expression unreadable. The air around him felt cold, distant.

"You're late," he said without looking up.

"I lost track of time," I murmured, setting my bags down.

He finally met my gaze, his face unreadable but heavy with something unspoken. "Sit down, Luna."

I hesitated before taking the seat across from him, my heart pounding. My father wasn’t the kind of man who talked much—unless something was wrong.

"Your grades," he started, sliding a report card across the table. "Explain."

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "I—I’ve been trying. School’s just… a lot right now."

His jaw tightened. "Trying isn’t enough. You’re better than this. You know what’s at stake."

I nodded silently, the familiar weight of expectations pressing against my chest.

"No more distractions," he said firmly. "I want you home after school. No more shopping trips. No more wasting time with those girls."

My stomach twisted. I should’ve expected this, but it still stung. "Yes, sir."

He studied me for a moment longer before standing up. "I only push because I know you’re capable, Luna. Don’t disappoint me."

As he walked away, the silence he left behind felt heavier than his words. I sat there, staring at the report card, wondering how much longer I could balance the person I was expected to be with the person I really was.

The walls of the house felt tighter as the sun dipped below the horizon. My mind raced—what if I couldn't meet his expectations? What if I failed again? I wanted to scream, but instead, I just sat there in the quiet, the weight of perfection pressing against my chest, threatening to crush me.

I pushed myself up from the chair and made my way to my bedroom, shutting the door softly behind me. My hands trembled as I laid the report card on my desk. The numbers felt like a judgment, bold and unforgiving. My chest ached as I fought against the overwhelming pressure. I wanted to be enough, but it felt like I never would be.

Collapsing onto my bed, I let out a shaky breath. The echoes of my father’s words lingered, twisting in my mind. The mask I wore around my friends was exhausting enough—but at home, the mask felt heavier, like I could barely breathe beneath it.

I grabbed my phone and stared at the picture Olivia had posted earlier. Our smiles were flawless, the image perfectly curated to show the world how happy we were. But behind my smile was a girl barely holding herself together.

A message popped up on the screen.

Olivia: Don’t forget—we’re meeting at the mall again tomorrow.

I hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard. I wanted to say no. I wanted to tell them how tired I was—how much I needed a break. But I knew how Olivia would react. And I wasn’t ready for that battle.

Sure, I typed back, hitting send before I could change my mind.

I dropped my phone onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. The walls felt too close, the silence too loud. No matter where I was—at school, with my friends, or at home—I felt trapped.

Tears stung at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them away. Crying wouldn’t change anything. I had to keep going. I had to be perfect.

The next day, the air felt heavier as Luna walked through the school gates. Her mind swirled with thoughts of last night's conversation with her father. The weight of his words still clung to her, an invisible chain she couldn't shake.

"Hey, Luna!" Amelia's voice cut through her thoughts as she bounded up beside her. "Ready for the mall later?"

Luna forced a smile. "Yeah, sure."

Olivia and Victoria were already waiting by their usual spot near the lockers. Olivia's perfectly manicured fingers tapped away on her phone, while Victoria adjusted her hair in the reflection of a pocket mirror.

"Finally," Olivia said as Luna approached. "I thought you'd ghost us or something."

"I wouldn't do that," Luna replied softly, though a small part of her wished she could.

The day dragged on, each class blending into the next. By lunchtime, Luna's head pounded from the pressure. She barely touched her food, her appetite lost in the noise of her thoughts.

"Luna, what's up with you?" Victoria asked, studying her closely. "You've been acting weird."

"Just tired," Luna lied, pushing her tray aside.

After school, they made their way to the mall as planned. The bustling energy should have been a welcome distraction, but it only made Luna feel more out of place. Olivia led the way, dragging them from store to store, her excitement as bright as ever.

"Try this on!" Amelia shoved a dress into Luna's arms. Without much thought, Luna went to the dressing room. As she stared at her reflection, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. Was this really who she wanted to be?

When she emerged, Olivia gave a quick nod of approval. "Looks cute. You should totally buy it."

Luna forced another smile and placed the dress back on the rack. "Maybe next time."

As they moved toward the food court, Luna felt her phone buzz. She pulled it out, expecting another message from her father—but instead, it was from an unknown number.

*I know your secret.*

Her heart pounded as she reread the message. What secret? Who could this be?

"Luna?" Olivia's voice snapped her back to reality. "Are you even listening?"

"Sorry," she mumbled, shoving the phone into her pocket. Her stomach twisted in knots. Someone knew—but what did they know?

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Luna tried to act normal, but the message gnawed at the edges of her thoughts. By the time she got home, her nerves were frayed.

Her father was waiting, standing in the living room with her report card in hand. "Sit down," he ordered, his voice cold.

Luna swallowed hard and obeyed, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Your grades are slipping," he said, his face tight with disappointment. "I told you—distractions are unacceptable."

"I'm trying," Luna whispered, her voice shaking.

"Trying isn't enough," he snapped. "I expect better from you."

The pressure, the secrets, the constant pretending—it all boiled over. "I can't be perfect all the time!" Luna's voice cracked as the words spilled out. "I’m tired of trying to be who you want me to be."

For a moment, the room was silent. Her father's expression darkened. "You think life is easy, Luna? You think you can just throw away everything I’ve worked for?"

Tears burned in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "I'm not you," she said quietly. "I never will be."

His jaw clenched, but he didn’t say another word. He turned and walked away, leaving Luna alone in the heavy silence.

She fled to her room, her hands trembling as she pulled out her phone. The unknown number had sent another message.

*I know what you did.*

Panic surged through her veins. What did they mean? What did they know?

Her fingers shook as she typed back: *Who are you? What do you want?*

The reply came almost instantly.

*You'll find out soon enough.*

Luna's chest tightened as she stared at the screen. She felt like the walls were closing in—her father’s expectations, her friends' demands, and now this anonymous threat. It was too much.

Her phone buzzed again—this time, a message from Olivia.

*You okay? You seemed off today.*

Luna hesitated. Should she tell them? Could she even trust them?

*I'm fine\,* she typed\, sending the lie into the void.

But deep down, she knew things were only going to get worse.

The next morning, Luna woke up feeling drained. Her sleep had been restless, haunted by visions of unknown figures watching her. At school, the tension grew heavier with every passing moment.

During chemistry class, Luna’s phone buzzed quietly in her pocket. Another message from the unknown number.

*I know who you really are.*

A chill ran down her spine. She tried to focus on the lesson, but her mind raced. What if they told her father? What if they told everyone?

After class, she rushed to the bathroom, locking herself in a stall. Her hands trembled as she scrolled through her phone. No other messages. Just that one—enough to shatter the fragile grip she had on her emotions.

The door to the bathroom creaked open, followed by the sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor.

"Luna?" Olivia’s voice echoed softly. "I know you’re in here."

Luna wiped her eyes quickly and stepped out. "Hey."

Olivia leaned against the sink, arms crossed. "You’ve been weird lately. Are you sure nothing’s wrong?"

Luna hesitated. The words hung on the edge of her tongue, but she couldn’t bring herself to trust Olivia completely. "I’m fine," she lied again.

For a moment, Olivia just stared at her. Then she sighed and pulled out her phone. "Whatever. Just don’t freak out when everything falls apart."

Luna’s heart stuttered. "What do you mean?"

A slow smile crept across Olivia’s lips. "Secrets don’t stay hidden forever, Luna." Without another word, she turned and left, leaving Luna frozen in place.

As the door swung shut behind her, Luna's phone buzzed one last time.

*Tick tock.*

That evening, Luna couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Every shadow seemed darker, every noise louder. She locked her bedroom door and paced restlessly.

Her phone buzzed again. Another message from the unknown number.

*Time's running out. Better tell the truth before I do.*

Luna's breath caught in her throat. Who was this? And what truth were they threatening to reveal?

A knock at her bedroom door startled her. "Luna?" It was her father.

She quickly hid her phone and opened the door. "Yeah?"

His face was unreadable. "Dinner's ready. Come down."

Luna nodded, forcing a neutral expression as she followed him to the dining room. But even as she sat across from him, her thoughts spun wildly. Who was sending these messages—and how much did they really know?

Across town, a figure sat in a dimly lit room, their phone glowing softly in the dark. A smirk curved their lips as they typed another message.

*You can't hide forever\, Luna.*