Alex had learned quickly that surviving high school wasn't just about grades—it was about navigating the battlefield of whispers, stares, and rumors. Today, the battleground was her own classroom.
She slid into her seat near the window, trying to keep her head down, hoping to blend into the background. But it was impossible. Not when Ryan Hale—the golden boy everyone adored—was glaring at her across the room, his jaw tight, eyes sharp with irritation. And not when Max Donovan, leaning casually against the back wall, smirked at her in a way that made her stomach twist.
The new transfer student, Chloe, was already seated, chatting quietly with friends nearby. She was beautiful, confident, and seemed to carry the attention of the room effortlessly. Alex could feel Ryan's focus glued to Chloe, the same way it used to rest on her. The betrayal stung more than she wanted to admit.
As the teacher began the lesson, Alex tried to concentrate, but her mind kept replaying the moments of yesterday—the whispers, Max's protective stance, Ryan's smug cruelty. And then it happened: Chloe dropped her pencil, and Ryan bent to pick it up for her, grinning as he handed it back.
Alex felt a heat rise in her cheeks. The memory of Ryan's earlier demand—that she give up her scholarship—was still fresh. Her hands clenched into fists under the desk. She wanted to explode, to shout at him, to remind him that she wasn't some pawn in his game.
But before she could, Max leaned toward her, voice low, almost a whisper.
"Relax. He's just a show-off," he said. His breath brushed her ear. "Watch and learn."
Alex's heart raced. She didn't know if she was relieved or terrified. Max's presence was a lifeline, a challenge, and a thrill all at once. She nodded slightly, trusting him—even if only a little.
The class dragged on, but tension simmered beneath the surface. Every glance Ryan shot Alex was sharp, competitive, daring. Every glance Max shot back was protective, teasing, and full of unspoken promises. Alex's mind felt like a storm, swirling with emotions she didn't have names for yet.
By lunch, the hallways were a whirlwind. Students whispered behind her back, pointed fingers, and laughed softly. Ryan and Chloe walked side by side, sharing jokes and smiles that cut deeper than any insult could.
"You okay?" Max asked, catching up to her by the lockers.
Alex gave a shaky laugh. "I guess… I'm used to it."
Max's eyes darkened, just slightly. "Used to it? You're not supposed to get used to humiliation. Not when I'm around."
Alex felt warmth spread across her cheeks, and for a moment, she almost believed him. Almost.
The rest of the afternoon was a blur of classes, hallway stares, and quiet tension. Max never left her side, even if he wasn't speaking. He'd catch Ryan's glances and tilt his head, smirking in a way that made Alex want to melt and frown all at once.
Then came the final class of the day—English Literature. Alex's favorite. She had hoped for a quiet, uneventful period. She didn't get it.
Chloe had volunteered to read aloud a passage, her voice clear and confident. Ryan leaned back in his chair, grinning as if she was the center of the universe. Alex forced herself to focus on her book, but she couldn't ignore the sharp pang of jealousy.
"Alex, what's that expression?" Max asked suddenly, leaning close. His voice was just above a whisper. "The one that says you're trying not to crush the world with your glare?"
Alex blinked at him, then laughed softly. "I'm… not glaring. Just… concentrating."
Max's smirk widened. "Right. Concentrating."
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Students began filing out, but Max grabbed her hand lightly, guiding her out of the classroom before Ryan could intercept.
"You okay?" he asked again, his voice gentle this time.
Alex nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and confusion. "I… think so. Thanks."
Max squeezed her hand once, then let go. "Don't thank me yet. The real fun is just starting."
Alex frowned. "Fun?"
He grinned, that devilish, bad-boy grin that both infuriated and thrilled her. "High school, love triangles, jealous golden boys, and protective bad boys. You're living it now."
She shook her head, trying not to smile. "This is going to be a long year."
Max's eyes softened. "Not if you let me handle it."
And just like that, Alex realized she wasn't alone anymore. She didn't know where this would go, what challenges lay ahead, or how her heart would survive the chaos of high school love. But one thing was certain: Max Donovan had made it clear—he wasn't backing down.
For the first time in years, Alex felt excitement pulse through her veins. She couldn't wait to see what happened next.