What everyone's been asking

Cherry sat surrounded by her friends, their lively chatter filling the air, but her mind was elsewhere. She sipped her banana smoothie, lost in thought, her brain racing with ideas for her next big story. As a 10th grader, she had already made a name for herself as a talented journalist, her articles and gossip pieces in the school paper eagerly devoured by her peers. Now, she was on the hunt for her next scoop, the question on everyone's lips: "What's the deal with Troy Rivers?"

As Troy strode into the dining hall, Cherry's eyes widened with interest. Despite his pale complexion, he was undeniably handsome, his crystal blue eyes sparkling like diamonds in the light. His dark hair was perfectly messy, framing his chiseled features and accentuating his piercing gaze. His athletic build was evident even under his clothes, and Cherry couldn't help but notice the way the other girls in the room couldn't help but sneak glances at him, their eyes lingering on the contours of his physique.

Troy walked slowly to his seat, a table that nobody else dared to sit at. His meal was simple, but Cherry watched him eat with a focused intensity. She took a deep breath, turned on her phone's recorder, and told herself, "Now or never." Her heart was racing, and her hands were sweating, but she sat down across from Troy without looking up, too scared to meet his eyes.

"Come on, Cherry, be brave," she urged herself, taking a deep breath before meeting Troy's gaze. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, their intensity making her heart skip a beat. His expression was neutral, neither happy nor sad nor angry, just a steady stare that made her feel like an open book. "Mr. Rivers," she ventured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Call me Troy," he corrected, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine. "I need to ask you something," she continued, her words tumbling out in a rush as he finished his meal and prepared to leave. "It's really important..."

Troy rose from his seat, cutting her off mid-sentence, and strode away, leaving behind a whiff of cologne that was both overpowering and alluring. Cherry didn't expect him to turn back, but he did, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. "You're bold, Cherry, I'll give you that," he said, his voice low and even. "But there's a reason people steer clear of me. Take my advice and do the same. But hey, it's your call." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Cherry to exhale a frustrated sigh as she watched him exit the dining hall. "I'm getting that interview, no matter what it takes," she muttered to herself, determination burning in her chest as she returned to her table.

***************

As soon as the final bell rang, Cherry hastened out of her classroom, her urgency evident in her swift footsteps. She sprinted through the still-empty hallways, heading towards the 12th-grade classrooms with a sense of purpose. Her eyes scanned the crowded corridor, searching for a familiar face, but it was nowhere to be found. Undeterred, she continued her quest, her gaze darting from left to right with a mix of determination and desperation. Just as she was about to give up, a sudden idea struck her - "check the classrooms!" With renewed hope, she dashed towards Class 12A, only to find it empty. Undaunted, she moved on to the next classroom, her heart pounding in anticipation. As she peered through the window door, her eyes landed on the elusive figure, and a wave of relief washed over her. She hadn't felt this thrilled to see someone in a long time.

Troy appeared engrossed in his book, but as the home room teacher entered and asked him to leave, he efficiently packed up his belongings into a sleek briefcase, exuding an air of maturity. With a deliberate slowness, he exited the classroom, his long strides eating up the distance. He had taken about 15 steps before pausing, his voice low and even as he spoke without turning back, "Don't think I didn't spot you, Miss Keller." Cherry's heart raced as she hastened after him, her footsteps echoing in the now-deserted hallway. "Mr. Rivers," she called out, her voice laced with urgency, but he continued walking, his pace steady and unhurried.

"I'm writing a paper called 'The Secrets of the Lone Wolf' and I want to feature you as the subject," Cherry explained, still trailing behind him. But in the blink of an eye, she found herself swept off her feet and pinned against the wall, her eyes wide with astonishment. Troy's deep gaze bore into hers, his face inches from hers, his strawberry-scented breath a surprising revelation. His eyes seemed to pierce through her soul, making her heart race with a mix of fear and excitement. She tried to wriggle free, but his firm grip held her in place. A menacing smile spread across his face, sending shivers down her spine. "I prefer not to be called Mr. Rivers, Miss Keller," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "And you?" "Don't call me Miss Keller, then," she replied, her voice barely audible. He chuckled, a sound that sent chills down her spine. "If you want that interview, come to my place and we'll discuss it over strawberry tea and donuts." With that, he released her and walked away, leaving Cherry to smile triumphantly as she exited the school. "Ah, strawberry tea, that explains the scent of his breath," she thought to herself, a hint of excitement lingering in her mind.