The next morning, Pearl walked into school with her headphones on and her guard up.
She told herself she wasn't going to think about him. She had math homework due, a quiz in history, and a million better things to focus on.
But none of that mattered the moment she saw him.
Vansh was already at his locker. Hoodie on. Head down. He looked up the second she turned the corner.
Their eyes locked.(platonic moment)
And for a second, it was like no one else existed. No classmates. No morning rush. Just that quiet, loaded stare.
Pearl raised an eyebrow, giving him a little nod like, Yeah, I saw your texts. You're not off the hook.
He smirked back—like he'd been waiting.
He closed his locker and started walking toward her. Slow. Calm. But his eyes held that same intensity from last night.
Vansh:"So… you still think I'm flirting with everyone?"
Pearl (pretending to think):"Mmm, undecided. Depends on how you act today."wandering soul
Vansh:"Challenge accepted." drama queen
She hated how much her stomach flipped at that.
But she wasn't going to let him win this easily...