Hate YOU, Need YOU (Enemies to lover)

As I walked through the corridor on my way to class, I suddenly noticed a group of girls and boys staring at me. At first, I didn't realize it. Confusion settles in, and a wave of anxiety washes over me—I've never been stared at like this by so many people my age. Then, I caught sight of a girl whose eyes were fixed on something behind me. Maybe they're looking at the person behind me instead. That thought brought a slight sense of relief, so I turned around—and saw Asher Bennet. Asher Bennet is one of the most famous people in our school. More like popular. He's a 12th-grade student—my senior. Almost everyone knows him, but he only acknowledges a select few. Sometimes I feel like he is popular because of his parents. They are rich. Like not rich. They are RICH. Haha He has a girlfriend, Maya, who is undeniably beautiful—not just because she managed to date someone like Asher, but because she is genuinely stunning. Asher seems completely in love with her. Maya is an 11th grader, but she belongs to a different section—the one that's highly respected. Well, it looks like I'm talking more about other people than myself. My name is Lena Reed. I'm an 11th-grade student in Section C—a section where neither the top students nor the worst ones belong. We're just average students. My home isn't too far from school. It takes 25 minutes to walk and 10 minutes by car. Well, today is the first day of class after the holidays, and now it's the start of the spring semester. I really hope this semester will be different. This year, I want to ace my exams and finally get out of my lazy girl era. I need to be in Grade A next year so I can get into my dream university. As for ECA (Extracurricular Activities), I don't have a lot, but the few I do participate in? I'm a master at them. Now, back to today—my first day. For some reason, everyone is staring at me. Doesn't that make anyone anxious?? I suddenly feel like I've forgotten how to walk properly. Then, I noticed a girl looking past me, her eyes focused on something behind me. I glance around and realize—they're not staring at me at all. Curious, I turned around. And that's when I saw him—Asher Bennet. I panicked for a moment, thinking I might be in Asher's way. But you know what? This school doesn't belong to him. It's our school. I don't care if he's rich, popular, or whatever. "Just walk straight, Lee. Don't be scared. Your class is right there—just a few more steps." I told myself. I took a deep breath after I reached my class and walked inside my classroom, letting out a sigh of relief. But as I head toward my desk, I froze. Someone is sitting in my pre-assigned seat—the one our teachers gave us. It's Jack Blackwood. Jack is the top student in our class and my best friend. He's been there for me through my best and worst moments. "Oh, come on, Jack! Why are you sitting at my desk? I have to tell you something... You kn—" "Miss, will you please calm down first? Take a little break from your talking and tell me calmly. I'm not going anywhere," Jack says, laughing at me. "Jack! I went to my aunt's house, and guess what? I saw him! The guy I had a crush on back in 9th grade. Remember that stranger?" I said excitedly. "Oh, YOU DID??? What's his name?? Or wait... is he your cousin?? If he is, then no chance," Jack says, clenching his jaw. "I don't know his name, but no, he's not my cousin! He's my cousin's best friend. They're really close, and my aunt always invites him to every family event at her house. And next week, I'm going for a sleepover, and my cousin said he's coming too!" I squealed. "I'm so excited! I'll finally ask for his name and his i********: ID, and I'll talk to him, and—" Before I can finish, Jack cuts me off. "Le, calm down, calm down. Don't get too excited. Things might not go the way you expect, but I really hope you two end up together," Jack says with a grin. "Anyway, this year, we're finally in the same class. Your hard work really paid off, Lee." "It should have, J. And it must have! I worked so hard to get into your section so I wouldn't feel lonely." I pause for a second before grinning. "But now, I want to accomplish even more. If I push myself harder and get into Section A, there's no way I won't make it to my— I mean, our dream university." We both laughed. Class finally ends, and it's break time. I immediately go to Jack and start talking to him when, all of a sudden, three members from the Drama Club walk into our section and call out names loudly. "Lena Reed, Jack Blackwood, Sabrina Pierce, Cassie Moon. After school, come to the Drama Clubhouse!" I froze for a second before realizing what had just happened. I got selected! Jack and I both got in! But what makes it even better? Cassie Moon, Jack's crush, also got selected. I turned to him, grinning mischievously, and started making up a song on the spot. "Ca and Ja in the same dramaaaa, playing the maaaain leaaaad!" "Oh, shut up, Lee!" Jack groans, covering his face. "I can't even process the fact that I got selected. My audition was terrible! Also... we're on the same team." "J, I think it's time for you to actually focus on your acting," I teased. "Who knows? Maybe you'll end up as the male lead! And Cassie—oh my god—her audition was amazing. If you both get cast as leads, then you guys can... ca—" "As if." Jack rolled his eyes. "If acting in a drama could make people fall in love, then why don't actors in romance movies date in real life? Also, we don't even know the genre yet." "Yeah, yeah, whatever." Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of our next class. On lunch break, I spot Maya wandering around, looking for her friend. I'm a huge fan of Maya. Without wasting a second, I walked straight toward her. "Hey! I think you're looking for a friend? I mean, obviously," I said, chuckling nervously. "Well, yes," Maya responded without looking at me. "I think your friend hasn't arrived yet. You can sit with us and eat with us. I'd really love to be your friend," I said, my voice slightly shaking. I can't believe my eyes—Maya is standing right in front of me. As I wait for her response, my gaze accidentally lands on a dark mark just below her neck. For a second, I assume it's a hickey, but something about it looks... off. But it's okay— "Yeah. Okay. I'll join you," Maya finally says. I freeze. Did she just say yes? "What's your name, by the way? I've seen you at the Debate Club a few times. You were amazing at defending your points. And I remember you from the drama auditions last year too—you were great! You're really an all-rounder," Maya says casually. I can feel my heart racing. Not only did she notice me, but she also remembers my debate and audition?! "I'm Leena Reed. Well, I'm not really an all-rounder, but you are. I mean, you're great at academics, you're in Section A, you won first place in the debate, and your acting was incredible," I said, completely in awe. "By the way, did you get selected for the Drama Club? I mean... did they call you to the clubroom?" "Yes... I was selected. Lee, right?" "Leena," I correct her. "Oh yeah, Leena. Nice name, though." We reach our table, where Jack is already waiting for us. "Hey, this is my friend Jack. Jack, this is Maya. Remember the girl from the auditions? And the one who won last year's debate?" I introduced them. Jack's eyes widen. "Oh, is she?! I was a huge fan of yours since the debate. I mean, the way you defended your argument without losing your cool? That was insane!" Jack says, clearly impressed. Maya laughs, and for some reason, that makes me feel... weird. I don't think I've ever seen her laugh this much before—not even when she's with her friends or her boyfriend. We grab our food and sit down to eat. I ask Maya a million questions, and to my surprise, she actually answers them all. It's strange—she seems more relaxed here than with her own group. I notice a lot of people staring at us, but Maya doesn't seem to care. It's like she's used to it. And for some reason, that makes me feel bad for her. We were all talking, and Maya was being really friendly. Suddenly, I saw Asher walking toward us. My heart sank—now he was going to take Maya away. I glanced at Maya, and her expression changed the moment she noticed Asher. She looked... anxious. Was it because of the hate she was getting from other girls? I mean, come on, just because she was dating their crush? Girls, be for real. "Let's go, Maya. I told you I'd be waiting for you at the park," Asher said, his deep voice catching me off guard. Wait. His voice... wasn't as irritating as I thought it would be. It was actually nice to listen to—for some reason. Maya nodded hesitantly. She didn't look like she wanted to go, and my dumbass brain thought it was a great idea to step in between a couple. "She's eating right now. Can she come after she's finished?" I blurted out. Asher turned to me, his gaze sharp and angry. My stomach twisted with nerves. I looked at Jack, and he was already staring at Asher. "Can you let us eat in peace?" Jack said calmly, his voice laced with a challenge. "I mean, she doesn't want to go right now." I swore I saw Asher's fists clench, and I got scared for Jack. I mean, Asher was the type of guy who could throw a punch without thinking twice. Not wanting things to escalate, I quickly spoke up. "Well... I'll bring Maya to the park once we're done eating. We're almost finished anyway. Is that okay, Maya?" I asked, hoping she'd agree. "Okay," she said quietly. Asher gave me one last glare before walking away angrily. I let out a breath of relief—only to notice Maya doing the same. We finished eating, and Jack took our plates to the trash while Maya and I walked together. "Maya, is your boyfriend in the drama club?" I asked curiously. "I mean, obviously not, because I didn't see him at the auditions... Stupid question." I let out a nervous laugh. "No, he got selected. I heard he's the main lead," she said, lowering her voice. "And the genre is—" She hesitated. "Don't tell anyone, okay, Leena?" I nodded. "It's romance. The theme is something like a cursed prince and a warrior," she whispered. I was shocked. This was exactly the kind of historical drama I'd always dreamed of being in—and it was actually happening. I asked Maya when she and Asher started dating, and she told me that after the last debate, Asher had confessed to her. He had asked her out at the end of last year, and they had been together since. We finally reached Asher. I turned to leave, but he suddenly called out. "Hey, you. Girl." I froze."Me?" I asked, confused. "Yeah, you. Come back," he ordered. My stomach dropped. I did not want to deal with him right now, but I had no choice. I nervously walked back toward him. "Are you fcking kidding me right now?"* Asher growled, his eyes dark. "Who the hell are you to stop me from picking up my girlfriend? Huh? And what's that fcking boy's name?"* I was shocked—not just by his anger but by his cursing skills. And because I'm a dumbass, my mouth spoke before my brain could stop it. "Well, I'm surprised you're getting so worked up over something so small. I thought you were the type to stay cool about these things. And the way you're cur—" Asher cut me off. "Oh, really?" His voice was low and threatening. "Don't try to change the subject." Zayden, one of Asher's friends, suddenly stepped in. "This time, we'll let it go," Zayden said, looking straight at me. "But next time? We won't spare you." I swallowed. He wasn't just trying to scare me—I could tell. If Asher had found out our names, he actually would've made our lives hell. Quietly, I turned and walked away. The bell rang, signaling the end of the first day of school. (Every episode at friday and saturday)