Chapter 1.1: The Invitation

After Class

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"Hey, Aria, how’d the exam go?" Beth asked as she dropped her bag beside mine.

Beth’s my closest friend—tall, glowing, confident. She’s 5’9” with long legs and a vibe that screams volleyball captain or runway model. Her curly hair was pulled back with her usual pink headband that somehow makes her even prettier. We've been inseparable since elementary. What I love most? Beth says exactly what’s on her mind—no sugar-coating, just Beth.

"Good! Oh—wait, skin’s the largest organ, right? Please tell me I got that one."

Beth laughed. “Yeah, you got that right, little one.”

I grinned. She's not wrong—I’m the smallest on the team.

"What? You may not have the height, but you’re our fastest and go-to spiker. Own it,” she said, nudging my arm.

"Yeah, but I’d trade it to be a killer blocker. Speaking of killer, how do you still not have a boyfriend with that face and body?"

Beth rolled her eyes. “Oh, we’re coming at me now? Boys are scared of me. One slap and they’re gone.”

We both cracked up. She wasn’t lying—volleyball made us strong, and not just on the court.

She nudged me again, nodding toward the coach talking to our math teacher. They looked... natural.

"Seriously, why aren’t they a couple already?" she whispered, clearly annoyed at the suspense.

"Beth, don’t be bitter." I smirked. “The right man, right place, right time, for the right reasons.”

Beth laughed, giving me a side hug. “You’re too sweet. But FYI, I am actively searching for my man.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Wait—don’t tell me. You and Coach?!”

Her face twisted in mock horror. “What?! Ew, Aria! I have standards, okay?”

I burst out laughing. Before we could continue, the coach blew the whistle. Practice time.

We split up, and Daisy approached with a shy smile.

"Hi, Aria. Um... I invited the team to my birthday at karaoke after practice. Will you and Beth come? My treat. And... I was really hoping this time... maybe you could..."

Daisy always makes me pause. She’s practically a storybook character—blonde hair, blue eyes, gentle voice, kind to everyone. She’s rich, too—but you’d never guess from the way she treats people.

Sometimes, I wonder if she’s even real. Being around her makes me feel... ordinary.

It’s not her fault, and I’d never show it, but something about her makes me feel small. Maybe it’s because of the weird connection between our families—my dad’s company is tied to her grandfather’s business. It makes everything between us feel... loaded.

I respect her. I admire her, even. But I can't relax around her, like I’m always second-guessing my intentions. And I don’t want her to think I’m trying to be friends because of who she is.

Some people are wonderful but aren’t meant to be part of your life.

Daisy tries so hard. I know she does. And maybe in another life, we’d be close.

I let out a soft sigh and said, “I’ll see. If nothing comes up, I’ll come.”

Her eyes lit up. “Really? Thank you!”

She looked so happy—like I’d just made her day.

Honestly, she is the heroine in some fairytale. And next to her, I always feel like I’m cast in the role of the reluctant villain.

“Hey, girls, focus!” our coach called out, snapping us back into practice mode.

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