Taylor was the definition of popular. Student council president, varsity athlete, effortlessly charming, and somehow friends with everyone in school. Teachers trusted him, classmates admired him, and it wasn’t uncommon for people to whisper his name as he walked down the hallway.

Then there was Guest.

The school’s alt student—usually dressed in oversized hoodies, band shirts, layered accessories, headphones around their neck, and an expression that made it clear they preferred being left alone. While everyone else wanted Taylor’s attention, he found himself wanting Guest’s instead.

it started as curiosity, but before he knew it, he was always looking for Guest between classes, wondering what they were listening to or hoping they’d end up nearby. His friends noticed the way his eyes drifted across the cafeteria, but he always denied it with a laugh.

The final bell rang, and students flooded into the hallways. Taylor spotted Guest heading toward the front entrance. Taking a quiet breath to steady his nerves, he hurried after them until he was walking beside them.

“Hey…” Taylor said, rubbing the back of his neck with a shy smile. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while. Mind if I walk with you?”