I walk into geography class with Brandon, and everyone starts whispering and watching me.

I sit next to Justin, who says, "You're the new gossip of the week."

I mumble, "Good to know," just as the teacher enters. Brandon smiles at me, and I smile back while Justin texts on his phone. I wonder who Kyle's new girlfriend this week will be.

---

At lunchtime, I go to the girls' restroom before heading to the cafeteria. I hear crying from a stall—probably a fan girl upset over Jordan or Kyle.

After using the toilet and washing my hands, a girl emerges with puffy, red eyes. She washes her face and starts crying again; she's the cheerleader Kyle dated last week.

She asks, "Can you tell Kyle to meet me at the janitor's closet in ten minutes?" I nod, feeling heartbroken seeing her cry.

When I enter the cafeteria, it goes silent. As I get in line for lunch, the cheerleaders' glance at me.

Outside, Brandon sits with his friends, but his eyes are on me. I grab my lunch and head outside, only to be blocked by two cheerleaders.

One asks, "Where do you think you're going?"

I reply, "Move before I do something I'll regret."

The other says, "Getting confident, are we? Don't worry, you'll be back where you came from soon enough."

Someone clears their throat behind them—it's Kyle, distracting the girls. I slip past them and go outside, where Kyle starts flirting with the girl who spoke first; she's his next target.

He joins me and I whisper, "The girl you dated last week wants to meet you in the janitor's closet now." He sighs, but I see guilt in his eyes.

"I'll be back, guys," he says, getting up and heading inside. Justin watches me, and I shrug while eating my lunch.

---

Kyle's POV

I've never been in love, and I don't think girls will ever understand me—only the boys and Anne, who doesn't know about my family.

I walk toward the janitor's closet, thinking about Arlene, the only girl who made me smile last week. She has black hair and hazel eyes, and I think I like her, but I'm scared to be with her for more than a week.

I open the door and find Arlene sitting on the floor, crying. She looks up and forces a smile, and I feel bad for ending things with her.

"Come here, Lene," I say. She stands up, and I hug her.

"I'm so sorry I hurt you; I was confused and didn't know what to do."

I look into her eyes, and she blushes. I whisper, "I like you a lot, Lene, but I was afraid you'd reject me."

She shakes her head and says, "I like you too; please don't break up with me again."

"That's a mistake I won't make again," I reply.

I start to kiss her, locking the door behind us. I pull her closer, and she runs her hand through my hair. I kiss her neck, and she moans my name, starting to take off my jacket.

You know where this is going.

---

Anastasia's POV

I finish lunch, and Kyle still hasn't returned. Jordan ate quickly and left. Brandon comes over and sits next to me, glancing at Justin, who frowns at his phone.

"Our date is on Wednesday; we'll be going to a restaurant," Brandon says. I nod.

Justin adds, "I hope you have enough money—what am I saying? You have enough, just not more than me," bragging.

I roll my eyes. "Actually, I'm the richest; my dad owns two big businesses, remember?" Justin frowns.

Jacob says, "Good going; someone had to put him in his place." I smirk.

Brandon asks, "Where's Kyle?"

"Checking on his girlfriend," I smile. The boys look confused, so I point behind them. They turn to see Kyle holding hands with the cheerleader, both smiling happily.

Carlos says, "About time he settles down."

"What about you?" I ask.

He chuckles, "I want college girls, not these sluts here." I nod in understanding.

Jacob agrees, "Same here."

Luke adds, "Me too."

Jordan says, "Bullsh*t; I can get any girl I want and stay with them for a month."

Justin smirks, "Yeah right; you can barely last a week with one, much less a month."

Kyle walks over and says, "Hi guys, meet my new girlfriend Arlene. Arlene, meet Justin, Carlos, Luke, Jacob, Jordan, Anne, and—" He frowns and asks, "What's he doing here?"

Jordan replies, "That's what I was about to ask," glancing at Brandon, who stiffens.

"Well, I'm going; I can see I'm not wanted here," Brandon says, getting up to leave. I almost go after him, but Carlos stops me. Kyle sits down with Arlene next to him.

"Hi Anne, you're really cool; I don't understand why Stephanie doesn't like you," Arlene says. I shrug.

"We can be friends," I suggest. She nods, and Kyle squeezes her hand, making her smile. The bell rings, and I have Chemistry with Carlos, so I drag him with me.

Brandon watches me, frowning, while Carlos winks at him, causing his ears to turn red. I whisper, "Stop it, Carl; let's just go." He sighs.

As we walk away, I look back and smile at Brandon, mouthing, "I'll text you when I'm in class." He nods.