🌸 Chapter One — The Collision The bell rang through Crestwood High like a warning shot. Lily Evans darted down the hallway, clutching her sketchbook to her chest. Her ponytail bounced with every hurried step, and the faint scent of cherry shampoo lingered in the air she left behind.She was late — again.“Evans!” a deep voice called out. She froze. Lucas Reed stood at the end of the corridor, leaning against the lockers with his usual air of dominance. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, his tie loose, and his expression unreadable.“You’re blocking the hallway,” he said, his tone sharp but his eyes softened for a split second when they met hers.Lily’s heart skipped. “Sorry, I was just—”“Running late. Again.” He pushed off the locker and walked toward her, his steps slow, deliberate. “You know, for someone who’s always preaching about responsibility, you’re terrible at it.”She bristled. “And for someone who’s supposed to be the class president, you’re great at judging people.”Lucas smirked. “Maybe I just notice things others don’t.”The tension between them was electric — the kind that made the air hum. Students passing by slowed down, sensing the familiar storm brewing between Crestwood’s most talked-about pair.Lily tried to step around him, but Lucas reached out, his hand brushing her wrist. “You dropped this,” he said, holding up a page torn from her sketchbook.Her breath caught. It was a drawing — of him.Lucas’s eyes flicked from the sketch to her face, amusement dancing in his gaze. “So, you draw me now?”“It’s for an art project,” she lied, cheeks burning.“Sure,” he said, folding the paper neatly and slipping it into his pocket. “Guess I’ll keep it. You know, for… inspiration.”Before she could respond, the bell rang again, and Lucas turned away, leaving her standing there — flustered, furious, and undeniably intrigued.Lily exhaled, pressing her hand to her chest. “What is wrong with me?” she whispered.But deep down, she already knew......