Chapter 3

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.

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