Enemies at First Sight
The corridors buzzed with the chaotic energy only the first day of school could summon—lockers clanged, voices collided in a cacophony of greetings and nervous laughter, and the sharp scent of freshly sharpened pencils mingled with the faint aroma of cafeteria food. Akanksha weaved through this sea of bodies, clutching her schedule like a lifeline, her heart drumming an uneven rhythm against her ribs. She kept her eyes fixed ahead, hoping to avoid the usual attention that seemed to trail her like a shadow.
But fate had other plans.
From across the bustling hallway, Joy’s sharp gaze locked onto the girl with the black-rimmed glasses slipping nervously between groups of laughing students. There was something about Akanksha’s quiet unease, the way she tried to shrink into herself, that sparked a familiar thrill in Joy’s chest. A predator’s delight in marking a fresh target. He didn’t hesitate. With the confident swagger that had earned his the unofficial title of queen bee, Joy cut through the swarm, his footsteps echoing with purpose.
“Hey, four-eyes!” Joy’s voice sliced through the noise like a knife, sharp and clear. Heads turned instantly; whispers rippled through the crowd…