Rewrite the stars with you

Becky was a flower that bloomed quietly in the shadows, far from the bustling world of high school cliques and loud laughter. She was beautiful, with soft, expressive eyes that seemed to hold galaxies of unspoken words. But her introverted nature made it nearly impossible for her to make friends in person. Her solace was the digital world—her phone was her portal to connection and comfort. Becky gripped the straps of her backpack tightly as she stepped through the towering gates of Milton University School of Arts and Business. The sprawling campus buzzed with life—students laughing, chatting, and moving with purpose. She felt small, like a lone shadow against the vibrance of the scene. This was supposed to be her fresh start, but her chest tightened with the weight of uncertainty. Her brother Ethan had insisted on her transferring to Milton. “The connections you’ll make there will set you up for life,” he had said, though his real motives were clear. Ethan saw Milton as a chance to mold Becky into someone who could further his ambitions, especially his plan to marry her off to Sanchez. Becky adjusted her glasses nervously as she walked through the crowd, clutching her schedule. She barely had time to process her surroundings when she heard the sound of a basketball bouncing on the pavement. A group of students had gathered by the court near the entrance, their voices loud and playful. Among them was Carlos. He stood out instantly—his chiseled features, confident posture, and that dazzling smile that could disarm anyone. Becky had heard whispers about him even before transferring: the popular extrovert, star of the basketball team, and the boy every girl seemed to adore. Unfortunately for Becky, Carlos noticed her too. “Hey, new girl!” he called out, his voice carrying over the noise. Becky froze, unsure if he was talking to her. But when she looked up, Carlos was already approaching, basketball in hand and a mischievous glint in his eye. “Lost?” he asked, smirking. His friends chuckled behind him. “I… I’m fine,” Becky mumbled, looking down at her schedule. She tried to step away, but Carlos moved to block her path. “Fine? You look like you belong in a library, not here,” he teased, his tone dripping with mockery. The group behind him erupted in laughter. Becky’s cheeks burned, and she wished the ground would swallow her whole. “Leave me alone,” she said softly, her voice barely audible. But Carlos wasn’t done. “Aw, come on. Don’t be shy. What’s your name, bookworm?” he pressed, leaning closer. Before Becky could respond, another voice cut through the tension. “Carlos, that’s enough.” A boy stepped forward from the crowd. He wasn’t as tall as Carlos but had a calm, confident demeanor. His name was Anil, and he had an air of quiet strength about him. His dark eyes fixed on Carlos with a warning look. Carlos raised his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, Anil. Just having some fun with the newbie.” He turned back to Becky, giving her one last smirk. “Welcome to Milton, library girl.” With that, he sauntered off, his friends following him like a pack. Becky exhaled, not realizing she had been holding her breath. Anil stepped closer, his expression softening. “Don’t mind him,” he said. “Carlos likes to think he owns this place. You’ll get used to it.” Becky nodded, though her voice was still caught in her throat. “I’m Anil, by the way,” he said, offering his hand. “You must be Becky. I heard there was a transfer student joining today.” She hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. “Y-Yes. I’m Becky.” “Well, Becky, welcome to Milton,” Anil said with a kind smile. “Let me show you around. You don’t want to be late for your first class.” Grateful for his kindness, Becky followed Anil, her heart still racing from the encounter with Carlos. As they walked, Anil chatted easily, pointing out the different buildings and sharing bits of advice about surviving Milton. Becky found herself relaxing in his presence, his warmth cutting through the nervousness that had been suffocating her all morning. But as they turned a corner, Becky glanced back toward the basketball court. Carlos was there, laughing with his friends, completely unaware of the storm he had stirred within her. Little did she know, their paths would cross again, and the boy who had started as her tormentor would soon become the reason her life would change forever.