01 green eyes

One Year Ago

My hand was sweaty as I clutched my phone, eyes glued to the text that sent my mind spiraling. The bell signaling the end of history class rang, but I barely registered it.

Tyler: I’ve got a surprise coming up
Tyler: I’ll see you soon at the cafeteria
Tyler: Miss you

I froze, my nerves on edge. Rory’s words from yesterday echoed in my head, amplifying my anxiety. She’d confessed her feelings for Tyler, oblivious to the fact that he’d been flirting with me for months. My best friend was about to get her heart broken, and I was caught in the middle.

“Luna, did you hear me?” Rory’s voice snapped me out of my trance. Her grey eyes studied me, a playful pout on her lips.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, blinking. “What were you saying?”

She grinned, pulling me to my feet. “I’m starving and craving Rib Eye Steak. Let’s hit the cafeteria!”

My heart pounded as she linked her arm with mine, dragging me out of the classroom. I tried to resist, but Rory’s enthusiasm was relentless. Every step toward the cafeteria felt like marching to my doom. I knew what was coming—Tyler’s “surprise.” He’d hinted at it enough: he wanted to make me his, publicly, for the whole school to see.

God, please help me.

The cafeteria buzzed with students grabbing food and settling at tables. Tyler stood at the popular table, surrounded by his football teammates, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips as his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. Rory’s grip tightened on my arm, her excitement palpable. “Is he waiting for us?” she asked, clueless.

I couldn’t answer. My throat closed up as Tyler strode toward us, stopping in the center of the cafeteria. All eyes turned to him, the room falling silent. He was the golden boy of Royal Heights, son of a powerful politician, the guy every girl wanted. And he was about to shatter my best friend’s heart.

“Attention, everybody,” Tyler’s voice boomed. My pulse raced. He shot me a meaningful smile, his eyes soft but determined. “I want every single soul in this school to know that starting today, Luna Klein is off-limits.” His gaze held mine, his voice dropping to a whisper meant just for me. “I should have done this sooner.”

A gasp tore from Rory. I turned to see her staring at me, horror and hurt in her eyes as she stepped back. My heart splintered, but I was rooted to the spot, unable to move or explain.

“Hey, Luna,” Tyler called, his charming smile unwavering. The room watched, the air thick with curiosity and envy. “Would you be my girlfriend?”

Happiness and guilt warred inside me. I liked him—God, I did—but Rory’s pain was a knife in my chest. Tears pricked my eyes as I stood there, paralyzed, the weight of everyone’s stares crushing me.

---

Present

I step out of the car, staring up at Royal Heights. Another day, another battle to survive. My parents didn’t send me to the best school in New York for me to crumble, no matter how much of an outcast I’ve become.

Sighing, I grip my backpack straps tightly. Keep fighting, Luna. Don’t disappoint them. My watch shows five minutes until the bell. I time my arrival to slip into class unnoticed, avoiding the whispers and glares that have followed me since last year’s cafeteria disaster.

The hallway is nearly empty, students already in classrooms. The air feels colder now, a constant reminder of my isolation. Footsteps echo behind me, and I turn to see a guy sprinting down the corridor, panting, scanning the hall like he’s lost.

Chestnut hair. Emerald-green eyes. My breath catches. Max Cooper. The new transfer student from Australia. I’d stalked his Instagram last night after a classmate’s group chat mishap revealed his profile. He’s even more striking in person—broad shoulders, a fitted shirt hinting at abs that could make anyone weak.

My cheeks burn as I mentally scold myself for gawking. Focus, Luna.

“Hey,” Max calls, his voice low and raspy, sending a shiver through me. He jogs over, and I stiffen. “Do you know where class XI-2 is?”

I bite my lip, feeling a pang of sympathy. This school’s layout is a nightmare for newcomers. “It’s right there, at the end of the hallway,” I point.

“Thanks.” He bolts toward the classroom, leaving me staring after him. New guy doesn’t want to be late on his first day.

I linger, moving deliberately slowly to avoid entering with him. Talking to the hot new student—especially one the girls are already obsessing over—would only paint a bigger target on my back. Luna Klein talking to guys, especially someone like Max, is a cardinal sin in their eyes.

By the time I reach the classroom, I’m ten minutes late. Stupid, Luna. Mrs. Smith glares as I slink in, every eye on me. Max is seated behind my desk, in the only empty spot at the back corner. Of course, no one else wanted to sit near me.

“You’re late, Ms. Klein,” Mrs. Smith says, adjusting her spectacles.

“I’m sorry,” I mumble, my brain failing to conjure an excuse.

“I don’t tolerate indiscipline. Your next quiz mark will be deducted.”

My heart sinks, but I shuffle to my seat, ignoring the whispers. Max’s gaze follows me, his brow furrowed, probably wondering why I’d let myself be late after helping him. I sink into my chair, exhaling heavily.

As the lesson nears its end, Mrs. Smith announces, “We’ll have a lab session tomorrow. Everyone should have a partner. Raise your hand if you’re unpaired.”

Reluctantly, I raise mine, shame creeping in. With an odd number of students, I’m always the leftover. Max raises his hand too, and my stomach twists.

“Mr. Cooper, you’ll pair with Ms. Klein,” Mrs. Smith declares.

I lower my hand, avoiding the stares burning into me. Great. Now I’m stuck with the new guy everyone’s fawning over.

---

At lunch, Max is swarmed by classmates at his desk, girls and guys bombarding him with questions about Australia, his football captain days, his family’s move. Their voices drip with excitement, the girls practically swooning.

The crowd feels suffocating. I stand, eager to escape. As I reach the doorway, I glance back. Max is surrounded, but his eyes are on me, steady and curious. My heart skips, and I quickly look away, slipping out of the classroom.

Keep your distance, Luna. You can’t afford more trouble.