*Prologue:*
This is the story of Ava and Ethan. Two teenagers whose hearts found each other in the chaos of youth, only to be torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Their love, though broken, refused to fade. Years later, destiny would bring them face to face again, and nothing would ever be the same. In a town where dreams and reality often collide, where choices can change everything, their journey unfolds—a tale of first love, heartbreak, and the second chances that life sometimes offers.
*Chapter One: The Meeting*
It was a chilly Tuesday afternoon. Ava was fast asleep when her best friend, Sophie, burst in, shouting her name. "Ava! Ava!" Startled, Ava sat up, her brows furrowed. "What's wrong? Why are you shouting my name like that?"
Sophie grinned. "I was bored, so I came to see you. And it turns out, you were sleeping as usual."
Ava rolled her eyes. "Well, it's not my fault I love sleeping."
"That's why we call you Sleeping Beauty," Sophie teased.
"Whatever. So, what should we do?"
"Hmm… let's take a walk."
Ava groaned. "You and your walking."
"Are you coming or not?"
"Alright, stop shouting."
They left the house, strolling down the street, laughing and chatting. People kept glancing at Ava—something she was already used to. Sophie, however, noticed it more.
"See how everyone is looking at you, eh? You're so popular," Sophie teased again.
Ava hissed, smiling faintly. "Stop it."
But Sophie suddenly froze, her eyes widening. She tapped Ava excitedly. "Oh my God, see that fit bloke! He's my type. Look at his eyes, and he's tall!"
Ava glanced at him casually. She could swear he smiled at her, but she brushed it off. She wasn't impressed—Ethan Reed was dark-haired, tall, with striking blue eyes, a small nose, and soft lips. Handsome, yes, but not her type. She preferred guys with a more rugged look.
Ethan, on the other hand, couldn't stop staring. He thought: She's petite, brown-haired, with a lovely smile, exactly my type. Her hair framed her face perfectly, her lips were just… everything. He stared until he almost stumbled, making the girls laugh.
*Ethan's Thoughts Later That Day*
When Ethan got home, he couldn't stop thinking about Ava. His friend noticed. "Mate, what are you even thinking about?"
Ethan tried to brush it off. "Nothing much, just… this girl I saw."
His friend chuckled. "Who's that?"
"I don't even know her," Ethan admitted, smiling to himself. "But she's so beautiful. She has this smile, and her eyes are just… wow."
His friend scoffed. "You're smitten, aren't you?"
Ethan laughed. "Maybe."
*Back to Ava and Sophie*
Sophie sighed dreamily. "Arghhh, that guy is fit."
Ava shrugged. "Yeah, but I don't really see him around."
"True. I think he's new to this area."
"Ah, no wonder."
Later that evening, Sophie went back home. But Ava couldn't stop seeing Ethan's face in her mind. As time went on, Ava and Ethan kept noticing each other around. Whenever they passed by, they exchanged glances—sometimes brief, sometimes lingering.
Ava's thoughts: Why am I even looking at him? Yeah, he's good-looking, but I'm into guys with a more edgy look. And besides, I already like someone else.
One day, Sophie burst into Ava's room, panting. Ava jumped. "What happened? Who's chasing you?"
"You won't believe who I just saw!" Sophie said breathlessly. "That fit bloke again! And guess who I saw him with?"
"Who?"
"Emily."
Ava raised her brows. "Oh wow. Maybe they're dating."
Sophie hissed. "I don't know why that girl is always following every guy—or new guy—in this area."
"Well, it's her choice," Ava said simply. "Yeah, but most of them don't even like her. She just forces herself on them. It's daft."
"Yeah, yeah," Ava muttered.