Monday morning dropped like a slap. Students dragged their feet to class, half-asleep, half-regretting their existence. But not Vanessa. No—Vanessa came to school like it was the red carpet at a movie premiere.
And unfortunately for Brandston, his classroom was the stage.
He was already seated, earbuds in, hood half-up, trying his best to remain invisible. Joel was beside him, cracking jokes about the cold and the school cafeteria's mystery eggs.
Then the door opened—and in floated Vanessa, like a perfume ad in slow motion. She wasn't in their class, but that never stopped her. She held a paper bag and a smug look, both deadly.
"Brandy~," she said sweetly, walking over like she owned the room.
Joel coughed dramatically. "Ah, here comes Queen Nessa of the Hunger Games. What's in the bag? Poisoned apples?"
Brandston didn't say anything. He lowered his earbuds and looked up at her with a blank face.
"Breakfast," she said, placing the bag right in front of him. "You skipped yours again, didn't you?"
"I'm fine," he muttered, trying not to draw attention. But it was too late. Half the class was already side-eyeing them like it was some teen drama episode.
Vanessa leaned forward, too close, smiling too hard.
"You should really take better care of yourself, Brandy. You're no use to anyone half-starved."
Joel snorted. "I think he's more starved for peace, actually."
Vanessa ignored him completely. "Anyway, I'll be back during lunch. Don't make plans," she said with a wink, spinning on her heel and strutting out like she just won something.
Joel blinked. "Did she just... schedule your lunch break?"
Brandston sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "I'm losing my mind."
"You're losing your privacy," Joel corrected, pulling the bag toward him. "Yo, if you're not eating this, I'm claiming it by the laws of best friend code."
"Whatever," Brandston mumbled.
Joel peeked inside. "Whoa, real bacon? And hashbrowns? Is this... is this bribery? I might start dating Vanessa at this rate."
Brandston chuckled faintly in spite of himself.
But as the class settled and the teacher finally walked in, he leaned back and glanced out the window. No sign of Audrey. Not that he expected her. But still...
Vanessa's smile. Joel's jokes. Everyone whispering. His mind was spinning in circles.
He had fallen in love for the first time.
And somehow, that was when everything decided to go sideways.