Need her

Luna’s laugh cut through the cafeteria like sunlight—and I hated it.

She was standing near the windows, talking to that guy teacher again. He said something stupid about his kid’s kitten, and she actually laughed. Her whole face lit up, soft and warm, the way I’d only seen in my dreams.

My chest twisted. Why are you laughing at him like that? The sound made my skin burn. I wanted to march over, to drag her attention back to me, but instead I sat frozen, staring like an idiot.

“Earth to Mimi” Emma teased, waving a hand in front of my face. “You’re zoning out again.”

I blinked hard and looked away, stabbing at my food. “Just tired.”

But inside, jealousy clawed at me. Every second she stood there with him, smiling, I felt like I was disappearing.

“Seriously,Mimi” Ava said, breaking the silence, “I don’t get how you’re still single. Alex literally follows you around like a lost puppy.”

Emma leaned in, nudging me with her elbow. “Not just Alex. Half the boys in this school would kill for you. And you just keep rejecting them. Are you, like, secretly married or something?”

Emily laughed, flicking her hair over her shoulder. “Yeah, or maybe you’re cursed. Imagine—beautiful, popular, but totally undateable.”

I forced a laugh, but the sound came out strained. “Maybe I just don’t like anyone right now.”

They all groaned at once, like I’d said the dumbest thing in the world. If only you knew. If only I could tell you it’s not about standards. It’s about Luna.

And of course, that’s when Alex showed up.

He was tall, confident, every girl in the cafeteria whispering when he walked by. He stopped right in front of me, his grin blinding.

“Hey,” he said smoothly, ignoring the way my friends started giggling. “I’ll ask one more time. Go out with me. Just one date.”

Ava gasped dramatically, clutching Emma’s arm. Emily nearly squealed. I wanted to sink through the floor.

I shook my head, forcing a polite smile. “Alex, I told you before. I’m not interested.”

The cafeteria went quiet for a moment, everyone watching. Alex’s grin faltered, just a little, but he laughed it off. “You’re killing me here. What’s it gonna take?”

My chest tightened. Nothing. Because it’s not you. It’ll never be you.

“I’m sorry,” I said firmly, standing to grab my tray. “But my answer’s not changing.”

(After class 10:25)

I slipped out of class needing air. I ended up near the back of the school, where it was quiet. That’s when I heard a familiar voice.

“Your too young to smoke”

I turned—and froze. Luna stood a few steps away, holding a stack of papers, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. My heart leapt into my throat.

“I, um—I don’t smoke” I stammered.

She gave me that soft, unreadable smile.”Good cause all other students smoke.” Her words were casual, but they hit me like a thunderbolt. She was looking right at me, her eyes warm, almost knowing.

"What are you doing here?”.I asked slightly curious avoiding her gaze due to the dream I had about her feeling guilty.

"I was going to drop off papers to the office but then I saw you outside the window”. Luna saying as the sun hit her face shining on her and her eyes changed color due to the light her eyes went from brown to a honey brown color so beautiful.

"I didn’t know”. I said nervously.

I clutched my bag tighter, my chest aching. If only you knew, Luna. If only they knew the real reason I don’t want a boyfriend.

(After school)

By the time I got home, the house already reeked of alcohol.

My mom was slumped on the couch, half-empty bottle in her hand. She glanced at me, her eyes sharp and mean. “Oh, look who finally decided to come home. Princess must’ve been too busy rejecting boys again.”

I swallowed hard, pretending her words didn’t sting. “Hi, Mom.”

“Don’t ‘hi’ me,” she slurred. “No wonder no guy wants you. You’re just like your father—selfish, ungrateful.”

I clenched my fists but stayed quiet, slipping past her. Upstairs, I could already hear laughter from behind my parents’ bedroom door—Dad with another one of his “visitors.” My stomach twisted.

I shut myself in my room, pressing my back to the door. I hated this house. Hated the way I had to smile at school like everything was fine when at home it was falling apart.

I dragged myself to the window, pushing the curtain aside just for some air. That’s when I saw her.

Luna.

She was outside in her garden, watering the plants, her movements graceful, calm. The golden evening light made her look unreal, like she had stepped right out of my dream. My chest ached as I leaned on the windowsill, watching her.

And then—she looked up. Our eyes met.

My breath caught. For a moment, it was like she could see straight through me, right into the mess of guilt, desire, and loneliness I tried so hard to hide. But instead of looking away, she smiled and lifted her hand in a small wave.

I felt my lips curve into a real smile for the first time all day.

As the curtain fell back into place, I whispered into the silence of my room:

“If only you knew how much I need you, Luna.”

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