The next morning at Aurelia High School, the hallways were livelier than usual. Since the school didn't require uniforms, everyone showed up with their own style—but today, there was one person who instantly stole everyone's attention the moment he walked into the main corridor.
Rayan Albrecht.
He walked with a natural confidence, the kind he didn't even try to show off.
His white shirt was slightly unbuttoned at the top—just enough to look effortlessly cool.
His black cap was worn backwards.
A crossbody bag hung on his shoulder, tilted almost behind him.
And on his feet were the Vans shoes Nate had given him two months ago for his birthday.
When Nate gave them to him, Rayan had acted all tough and said,
"I don't like wearing stuff people give me."
Reality?
He wore those shoes almost every day.
The hallway instantly filled with whispers.
"Is that Rayan? Why does he look so good today?"
"He's neat, but still… wow, that cool-boy vibe."
"The backwards cap is kinda cute on him."
"Is he coming to class or a photoshoot?"
Some girls slowed their steps just to sneak a longer look at him.
Some guys exchanged glances like,
"Bro… we gotta admit, he looks cool."
And Rayan?
As always—pretended not to care.
Hands in his pockets, walking casually, expression neutral.
Though deep down, he kind of liked the attention… just a little. Not that he'd ever admit it.
As he approached the classroom, Nate and Soren—who'd been watching from afar—whistled loudly.
"Well damn, who's this? Hollywood star lost on campus?" Nate raised an eyebrow.
Soren added,
"You look really neat today, Ray. You crushing on someone?"
Rayan shot them a glare.
"Shut up. I just… wanted to dress nicely, okay? Is that a crime?"
"Your mom yelled at you yesterday?"
"Or… was it Liana?"
Nate and Soren attacked in perfect sync.
Rayan's face heated slightly.
"NO. I just didn't feel like wearing a hoodie."
But Nate and Soren exchanged that knowing look:
"…So it was because of Liana."
"IT WASN'T!"
Rayan hurried into the classroom, trying to cool down his face that was definitely too warm.
Nate and Soren were still standing near the classroom door, watching Rayan—who today looked… different.
Neat.
Smelled good.
Cap worn backward.
White shirt slightly unbuttoned.
New Vans.
They looked at him like they were witnessing a solar eclipse.
"Ray," Nate started, crossing his arms. "You're joining the basketball tournament next week, right? We need you. Seriously."
Soren nodded quickly. "Yeah, don't ditch us again like last year."
Rayan sighed, staring out the window.
"I don't know. I'm not in the mood. Got stuff to do."
Nate's jaw dropped.
"STUFF TO DO? You? Since when?"
Soren narrowed his eyes.
"This is definitely the influence of… you-know-who."
"Shut up," Rayan snapped.
Right at that moment—
Liana walked into the classroom.
The air went still.
Her steps were soft, small, but enough to make Rayan tense up like an overcharged wire.
She walked straight to his desk.
"Rayan."
Rayan straightened instantly. "Y-Yeah?"
Liana stared at him with that adorably annoyed expression—her brows knit, her lips slightly puffed in frustration.
"The novel I lent you last week. You forgot, didn't you?"
Rayan froze.
The book.
The one he promised to return on Monday.
The one that got slightly damp because he left it on his motorcycle during a drizzle.
The one currently… he wasn't sure where. Maybe under his bed.
Rayan swallowed.
"Oh… that. I—I… I…"
I'm dead. I'm so dead.
Liana waited, eyes narrowing just a bit.
"Give it back to me at lunch," she said firmly, though her voice stayed soft.
"I need it for my assignment."
Rayan nodded at rapid speed. "Yes! Lunch! I'll bring it! 100%!"
Liana huffed a tiny puff of air—somehow making her even cuter—and then walked to her seat in front.
The second she sat down, Nate covered his mouth dramatically.
"Dude. She didn't even notice you literally glowed up."
Soren slapped Rayan's back, laughing.
"You showered in cologne, ironed your shirt, wore your new shoes… and all she cares about is THE BOOK."
Rayan held his head like his soul was leaving his body.
"I'm gonna die. I swear I'm gonna die because of that book."
Nate nodded solemnly.
"Rest in peace, brother."
Soren leaned closer and whispered the fatal blow,
"Honestly, better die because of a book… than die because Evan sits right behind her."
Rayan snapped his head up.
"Do you two WANT me to throw you out the window?!"
Nate and Soren burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, Liana turned slightly in her seat, hearing the commotion…
and couldn't help smiling—just a little.