Chapter 1

📖 Chapter 1: The Girl in the Mirror

The morning sun peeked through the white curtains like an annoying friend who doesn’t know what “five more minutes” means. Riri Winters groaned dramatically and rolled over on her bed, burying her face in her pillow.

“Why is the sun so clingy? I said no.”

She squinted one eye open and reached for her phone. 6:42 a.m.

Too early to be productive. Too late to fall back asleep. The tragedy.

Still half-asleep, she dragged herself to the mirror across the room. Her long hair was a mess — a majestic, tangled crown of sleep-induced chaos. She looked into her own reflection and tilted her head.

“Damn, you really chose violence with your hair today,” she muttered, brushing strands behind her ears.

Her eyes, wide and doe-like, blinked back at her. Her chubby cheeks were slightly puffed from sleep, and her lips — not too thin, not too full — were pursed like she was about to give herself a lecture.

There she was. Riri Winters.

5’1” of raw attitude, soft hips, a ridiculously tiny waist, and the power to verbally destroy anyone who dared disrespect her. Not that she ever did it. She believed in kindness… until someone earned the other side.

“People say mirrors don’t lie,” she said aloud. “But they also don’t pay rent, so they should keep their opinions to themselves.”

She smiled.

Not because she thought she looked perfect. But because she didn’t need to.

No guy had ever liked her. Not once. Not even a dumb middle school crush.

And honestly? That used to bother her.

But these days?

She just didn't give a damn.

---

Downstairs, her best friend was already waiting on video call.

Lisa.

Lisa with the perfect eyeliner, chaotic energy, and “I will fight your ex for you” vibe.

“Girl, you’re alive! I thought you choked on your own sarcasm last night,” Lisa said, sipping her iced coffee like a true villain.

Riri grinned. “Nah. I only choke on men’s expectations.”

Lisa cackled so hard she choked on her straw. “You need to stop. I’m gonna die.”

“You dying would be my villain origin story, so please don’t.”

They talked for a few minutes — mostly roasting each other in the way only true besties could.

Riri had met Lisa during orientation week. Lisa was the first person who didn’t look at her body with pity or judgment. She just saw Riri. And that was enough.

---

As she got dressed, Riri stared at her jeans.

Soft hips versus denim: the eternal war.

“Please cooperate today,” she told them like she was negotiating peace terms. Miraculously, they did.

She looked in the mirror one more time.

Crop top. High-waisted jeans. A little gloss.

“Cute. Comfortable. And just threatening enough to keep men two feet away.”

College had been a reset button — a new place where no one knew her. She’d expected awkwardness, maybe even judgment. But instead… she found freedom. No one whispered. No one laughed. No one stared — or if they did, she didn’t care anymore.

And maybe… just maybe… she was ready for more.

More than invisibility.

More than settling.

More than “just the funny girl.”

She wasn’t looking for love. That was the plot twist.

But love?

Might be looking for her.

---

End of Chapter 1

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