Love Guru

Chapter 1: The Mix-Up Lily Parker had one goal in high school: survive unnoticed. She wasn’t interested in pep rallies, class drama, or the social hierarchy of the cafeteria. All she wanted was to get through each day with minimal interaction and maximum sarcasm. Unfortunately, her best friend, Emma Green, had other plans. “Lily, come on! You can’t just sit here like a bored potato!” Emma whined, dragging Lily out of her quiet corner in the library. “There’s a situation happening in the hallway.” “A situation?” Lily raised an eyebrow. “Does it involve a fire drill or a free donut giveaway? Because if not, I’m out.” “No, it’s better!” Emma grinned. “It’s romance drama. You have to see this.” Before Lily could protest, Emma yanked her into the crowded hallway, where two students were arguing loudly. “I told you, sending fifty texts in an hour isn’t cute—it’s creepy!” one girl shouted, her arms crossed. “But how else is she supposed to know I care?” the boy argued, throwing his hands in the air. Emma nudged Lily. “Go on. Fix this.” Lily stared at her. “What do you mean, fix this?” “You’re good at giving advice,” Emma said. “Tell them what to do!” Sighing, Lily stepped forward, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Okay, here’s some expert advice. Maybe stop texting like a needy octopus and try, I don’t know, having a normal conversation?” The hallway went silent for a moment. Then, to Lily’s surprise, the girl nodded. “You know, that’s actually solid advice.” The boy looked sheepish. “Yeah, maybe I did overdo it. Thanks, uh, what’s your name?” “Lily,” she muttered, already regretting her involvement. By lunchtime, the entire school was buzzing about “Lily the Love Guru.” “Seriously?” Lily groaned, slamming her tray onto the cafeteria table. “I give one piece of sarcastic advice, and now I’m the school’s Cupid?” Emma grinned. “It’s amazing. Own it!” Before Lily could argue, a shadow loomed over their table. She looked up to see Ryan Carter—Mr. Perfect Hair, soccer captain, and the literal embodiment of “popular.” “Lily Parker, right?” he asked, flashing his megawatt smile. Her stomach flipped, but she played it cool. “Depends. Are you here to ask for love advice or to offer me a sponsorship deal for toothpaste?” Ryan laughed. “I need your help. With Chloe Rivera.” Lily blinked. “You’re joking.” “I’m serious,” Ryan said. “I want her to notice me, and everyone says you’re the expert now. So, what do you say?” “I say no,” Lily replied instantly. “Absolutely not.” But as she watched Ryan walk away, a little part of her wondered: how bad could it really be? ---