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lly as she sets her tray down. Her usual big, confident personality is on full dis

om the social sciences, and me-Elisa-who's just trying to get through high school without losing my mind. We may all come from different academic backgrounds, but the

ischievous grin of hers, earning an im

g her finger dramatically. "I told you

songs, pulling out a pack of Oreos and pas

cookie, taking a bite. "Whatever. An

tically bouncing in her seat. "I didn't want to be the one to brin

ooker," Happi adds, slu

ppi," Olivia raises an eyebrow, her voice dr

know?" Happi rolls h

her eyes right back. "I know

Let's just get back to the point. The new guy is fine, I saw him wa

" Dorcas adds casually, popping ano

ppearance from memory. "His hair's super c

g," Olivia chuckles,

holding up her fork like it's some kind of sce

voice suddenly low with excitement, tapping

ce. He blends in with the usual loud group of troublemakers: Michael, Willi

ng out with those guys. They're

he's still keeping a sharp eye on h

y step is carefully planned. He pulls a white bowl from his bag an

s, her voice dripping with intrigue. "Like, his pen

, raising an eyebrow,

shrugging nonchalantly. "I

ll f

able goes quiet, all of us trying to stay composed as a few s

g my eyes, though I can't hel

sterious, I'd be shouting it from the rooft

er head. "Of co

er seat. "It's not exaggeration, it'

to steer the conversation back. "But,

Olivia shrugs. "He

o him as he talks to Michael. Then, suddenly, he pauses, his g

compelled to look back. And when I do, he's still staring-

as's voice breaks t

urprise, my pulse sti

at?" she asks, glanci

about how there's no food at home." I quickly change the topi

olls under my classmate Cassian's chair. I bend down to pick it up quickly, only to realize something-my top t

, fading bruise

ook around, hoping no one saw. But then I catch him-the new boy-lo

Unders

oes h

his voice cuts through the noise of the c

save

of the voice. But no one's looking at m

sitting there, writing,

thing's off. So

e streets are full of students, the sun harsh against the back o

ttle of water, joining the crowd of s

I feel a nudge ag

tu

s h

new

l behind the counter hands him the bottles. He pays quickly, then, befor

I murmur, trying to pull my ha

ante

the first time, it hits me-t

dange