Chapter 20: His girlfriend

Kara navigated the crowded hallways of her new school, her mind clouded with confusion.

The day had been a blur of odd encounters, none of them particularly pleasant.

First, there was literature with Gen, who had treated her like a ghost, never sparing her a glance.

Then came biology with Rai, who had shocked her by smacking a boy on her behalf, only to act as if she didn't exist afterward.

And finally, there was Sila, who hadn't acknowledged her presence in any way.

By the time she made her way to the cafeteria, she was beyond exhausted. But the moment she spotted Dolly, her mood instantly lifted.

Across the room, Dolly's face brightened, and without hesitation, they both sprinted toward each other.

"How was the first few hours of school?" Dolly sang, linking arms with Kara.

Kara giggled, breaking into a silly little dance. "It totally sucked!" she sang back.

Dolly burst out laughing, snorting in the process. "I know, right? This place is a total shithole."

Still laughing, they joined the long line waiting for lunch.

The scent of greasy fries and stale pizza lingered in the air, mixing unpleasantly with the overpowering perfume wafting from the girls around them.

As they stood in line, a group of boys in sweaty jerseys sauntered into the cafeteria.

Their presence was impossible to ignore, not just because they were loud, but because they were dripping with sweat.

And might Kara add, the smell was atrocious.

"3-1 against the seniors! We're on fire, bruh!" a familiar voice rang out, filled with triumph.

Kara's gaze followed the sound, landing on Sila. He was standing across the cafeteria, animatedly talking to Rai, Gen, and Rox. The sight surprised her.

For the past few days, Sila had done nothing but glare at her and then ignore her. Seeing him now, talking, laughing, was shocking. And she wasn't the only one who noticed.

She found herself watching him a little too intently, her curiosity getting the best of her, when-

BAM!

A rough shove nearly knocked her off balance.

"Move it," a deep voice grumbled.

Startled, she turned to see a ridiculously tall guy in a soccer jersey brushing past her like she was nothing more than an obstacle in his way.

"Sorry," she mumbled, quickly stepping behind Dolly.

But the stares, the relentless, burning stares, made her shift uncomfortably.

She wasn't used to this kind of attention. Back in L.A., she wasn't some head-turning It Girl.

Sure, she got the occasional compliment, but nothing like this.

She instinctively tossed her waist-length red hair over her torso, hoping to hide herself, but it didn't work. If anything, it made things worse.

"You're really pretty," Dolly observed.

Kara groaned. "I'm not. Trust me."

Dolly chuckled. "Oh, but you are. The whole school is staring at you. And you smell really good."

Kara flashed her a small, grateful smile. How could anyone not like someone as sweet as Dolly?

Then, a light tap on her shoulder made her turn.

"Hi, I'm Cole. Cole Harris, captain of the football team."

Her brain short-circuited.

He was gorgeous, sandy red hair, twinkling blue eyes, a chiseled jawline, and dimples.

Her cheeks heated instantly. "I'm Kara."

Cole's smile widened, making her insides flip. "Nice to meet you, pretty Kara." He winked before grabbing his tray and heading to his table.

Kara stared after him, completely dumbfounded.

"Oh no. He's trouble," Dolly chuckled nervously.

"Why?" Kara asked, still watching him.

Dolly pointed across the cafeteria.

A furious-looking blonde was glaring daggers at her from across the room.

"His girlfriend," Dolly whispered.

Kara swallowed hard and quickly grabbed her meal.