Chapter 1: At the Bus

Now that I’m on the bus, I finally feel safe. I slid into a window seat near the exit and let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. That rush from dodging Kyle? It felt like the adrenaline I get during volleyball matches.

I knew he wouldn’t chase me—he never skips Mom’s cooking. The thought made me grin. Score one for little sister.

As I settled in, I glanced outside. I felt a mix of relief, pride, and maybe a bit of smug satisfaction.

Behind me, a conversation caught my ear.

“Hey, Raven, I played that mobile game you told me about last night—ML or something? I got so hooked, I forgot to finish my student clearance stuff.”

“I told you to play it when you had free time, dimwit. Don’t blame me, dogu.”

“Wait, what’s ‘dogu’?”

“It means ‘dog, you.’”

“‘Dog, you?’ That sounds like... dog poop or... something worse.”

“Exactly. It is an insult.”

“Why are you so mean, Raven?”

“You blamed me for your mess. What do you expect?”

“Ohh, I get it. Is it your red day? I was just—”

I smirked. “Dogu,” I whispered. What a word. I liked her attitude. That pair had something going on, for sure. Childhood friends? Secret crushes? Whatever it was, they were entertaining. I mentally added dogu to my vocabulary.

I popped in my earbuds, pulled out my phone, and played some classical music—my usual travel soundtrack. As I leaned against the window, my mind wandered to something they’d mentioned: student clearance.

Thank goodness our teachers went easy on us. Instead of last-minute projects, we just had quizzes. Less weight in my bag, less stress on my brain. All I had with me were the essentials—pencil case, phone, volleyball attire, and a change of clothes. I’d prepped everything last night before studying. Good job, Aria. You earned that little win.

I must’ve dozed off, because the next thing I knew, we were pulling up to campus. The bus stopped in front of the main hall, and students started filing out.

Raven and her guy were among the first to hop off. I tucked my earbuds away and checked my bag.

Just as I was about to stand, I looked out the window—and froze.

Jared.

My longtime crush. Tall, brown curls, strong brows, thick lashes... and those soft brown eyes that always seem to glow in the morning light.

As if he felt my gaze, he turned.

Oh no.

My brain short-circuited.

Without thinking, I dropped down like I was dodging a sniper and practically hugged the bus floor.

What are you doing, Aria? Are you twelve?

“Uh, you okay back there?” the bus driver asked, clearly amused.

I peeked up. Jared was already walking toward the hall, thankfully not looking back. I was also the last person on the bus.

“N-No, I’m good! Sorry, just… getting off now,” I stammered, mortified.

Why am I like this? Emotions are so dumb sometimes.

I stood up and headed for the exit, still cringing at myself.

Just as I stepped off, the driver smiled at me.

“You don’t have to hide like that, girl. He probably doesn’t even know you. Chin up and act chill, okay?”

She saw everything.

I flushed. Her words stung, mostly because they were true. I gave her a sheepish smile before she shut the door and drove off.

I stood there for a moment, wanting to disappear—to a mountain, a forest, anywhere I could scream into the wind. That fluttery feeling in my stomach? Definitely not cute. Not a fan.

I glanced at my watch. Almost time for the bell. Time to pull myself together.

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