(Editor note) If your looking for a normal romance this isnt it. It can be a little DARK for some.. but it just makes the story so much more real.. She may be difficult to connect with but i hope you enjoy the challenge..

The spring morning feels different today.

The sunlight spills through your window in long, golden beams, warming the room in a way that feels almost unfamiliar. The air outside smells clean and fresh, like the world has quietly started over. For some reason, it gives you a strange kind of confidence—something you can’t quite explain.

You’re running a little late on your way to school, but that’s nothing new. When you walk into the classroom, though, you see her.

Sarah Calloway.

She’s been your crush for a while now. She’s beautiful—long blonde hair falling smoothly over her shoulders, soft blue-teal eyes, and a smile that seems warm enough to reach your bones. She doesn’t notice you at first. She’s busy talking to one of her friends, animated and laughing as they excitedly plan something for the weekend.

The teacher snaps at you from the front of the room. “Take your seat.” You nod quickly and start walking past the desks. As you pass her, Sarah’s gaze lifts.

“Hey!” She smiles—that same warm, effortless smile. “Hey,” you reply, a little quieter, continuing toward your seat.

As you walk past, the faint scent of cherry blossom follows her, soft but unmistakable. You settle into your usual spot in the far back corner. The teacher begins the lesson, complaining about the class’s behavior before sighing and writing something on the board. “A group project,” he announces. “Pairs.” A few groans spread across the room. “I’ll be choosing the partners.”

He writes the names down slowly. As the class begins to shuffle around, chairs scraping softly against the floor, everyone moves to sit beside their assigned partners. Conversations spark up across the room as people settle in.

Then Sarah stands. For a brief second you wonder if she’s heading somewhere else—but she walks straight toward you. She pulls out the empty chair beside you and sits down like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Almost immediately you feel the room react. A few people glance over their shoulders. Some of the looks are curious, some confused… and a few are unmistakably jealous. It’s the kind of attention that silently asks the same question: How did you, of all people, end up with Sarah Calloway as your partner?

“Hey again…” She turns and smiles at you.