Shock of Love

Chapter 7...First Day on the Job

The morning air felt crisp as I met Tyler and Mia at school. "Good morning to you too," I said, smiling at Tyler after he greeted us.

Mia just let out a long yawn. "Morning, Tyler," she mumbled.

Tyler gave a small smirk. "Nice to see you so energetic this morning, Mia."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," she shot back, glaring at him. "I was watching a horror movie last night, so I couldn't possibly fall asleep so easily."

I couldn't help but smile at their banter. "Tyler, I'm so happy for you!" I said, my heart feeling light.

He looked at me, confused. "Huh? Why happy for me?"

"I'm happy because you're fitting in so well with everyone else," I explained. He was so popular and charming, it was easy for him.

"Thanks, Bloom, you're the best," he said, and my stomach fluttered when he flashed that charming smile of his.

Mia’s gaze sharpened. "Hey, what about me, MIA?" she demanded.

Tyler just laughed. "You're great too, Mia." She gave him a small smile in return, and the moment passed.

"Let's head off to class," I suggested, hoping to cut the conversation short before I did something embarrassing. As we walked down the hall, I couldn't stop my mind from racing. I really want to tell him how I feel, but I'm too shy, and it might ruin our friendship if I tell him I like him. I let out a long, quiet sigh, my shoulders slumping with the weight of my secret.

---

In a bush nearby, a figure named Luna watched them. She raised her phone and snapped a photo. The king will definitely want to know these girls, she thought. Time to take photos of them, but first, tell his father.

Luna held her phone to her ear, the screen showing she was on a call with King Robert. "Hello, sir, should I or shouldn't I research about his friends?" she asked.

"It will be best if you find out as much as you can possibly find out about his so-called friends," King Robert's voice commanded.

"Got it, boss," Luna replied.

"Remember to note the information down, Luna," he added.

"Sure thing, boss," she said. "Bye, sir, see you tonight."

"Sure, Luna, better not let me down," he said just before the call ended.

---

Later, the bell rang, and school was finally over. The hallways filled with excited students. Mia threw her hands in the air. "School is finally over! YEAH!!!!" she yelled.

Tyler waved to us. "See you girls tomorrow, bye," he said.

"Bye, Tyler," I called out, waving back.

"See you tomorrow, Tyler," said Mia.

From the crowd already surrounding Tyler, his fan club voices echoed throughout the classroom: "BYE TYLER, LOVE YOU, SEE YOU TOMORROW, TYLER."

Yeah, right, I have zero chances of making Tyler love me and be with me. He is so popular and handsome. I'm even so lucky to be his friend, but he can choose any girl here, so why would he ever choose me?

Mia turned to me. "See you tomorrow, bestie. I'm walking home tonight, so bye."

"Yeah, bye, girl," I replied, waving again as she walked away.

"Wait! Quick question: do you have..." I suddenly froze. "Never mind, it's nothing."

"Okay then—bye." Mia seemed confused, but for some reason she seemed to be in a rush.

"Bye," I said as I waved my goodbye to Mia.

After she was gone, I let out another long sigh. My mind was flooded with doubt. I couldn't believe I almost asked her if she still had a crush on him. It was a dumb idea. I might as well keep my feelings a secret for now. I thought to myself, a bitter truth settling in my heart.

THAT I LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART.