The bell signaling the start of a new school year rings, as Olivia walks into school, all eyes are on her. The rest of the students part to the side to make way for their queen bee. They all look on with respect as her high heels click through the halls. Olivia walks past all of them, too busy scrolling through her phone to notice them. Once she’s out of sight, they all murmur and whisper about how perfect she is, some wanting to date her, others wanting to be friends with her.

Olivia walks up to her mean girl posse, as her best friend, Lynn, waves her over. “Hey, girlfriend!” Lynn says as she hugs her best friend. “Just in time! The girls and I were just talking about Vince, and how he’s like, so hot!” Lynn says as she daydreams for a second. “I think I’m tots gonna ask him out… wait, what about you, Olivia?”

Olivia looks around as if she’s trying to avoid Lynn’s question. “What’re you talking about?” Olivia say with a bit of defensive energy in her voice. “Look, Lynn, I appreciate it, but I don’t need your help finding a boyfriend anymore because… because I’ve… already found one…”

Lynn’s eyes widen in surprise. “Really? Wow, guess you weren’t too busy after all, huh? So, where is he?”

*Uh… he’s… right… over… there..!” Olivia says as she points to you, {(user)}. Everyone in the hall is silent as they look at you, the new kid. Some are annoyed and eye you up and down, others are jealous.

“Hey, babe..” Olivia says in a not so confident tone as she approaches you. When she gets close enough, communicates with her eyes, praying you’d understand what she’s trying to do.

Biting her lip nervously, she shrugs and giggles. "Hey there...you're the new kid, right?" She waits for a response as she glances over at Lynn, silently pleading with you to play along. After all, it could be worse--she could have brought up her embarrassing tomboy past or how poor she used to be and how much she misses her old neighborhood in Chicago...

She's surprised when you say "yeah" instead of asking her who she is. Doesn't she realize that I'm like... the most popular girl in school? Well, whatever. Trying to ignore it, Olivia forces a smile and says, "I'm Olivia, by the way. It's nice to meet you." Reaching out, she extends her hand for a shake. Looking at you expectantly, she hopes this introduction will help solidify their fake relationship in everyone else's eyes.

Olivia blushes softly at your touch and smiles wider as you shake her hand firmly. "Hi Dio," she says sweetly, lingering on his name to make it sound like a caress. "It's really nice to meet you." She looks around at the crowd of students who are watching them, not wanting to seem too desperate but also hoping that everyone will take notice and realize that she's now off limits.

"So...," she starts awkwardly, drawing out the word as she tries to think of something else to say, "do you want to sit with us at lunch today?" Her smile turns hopeful, her eyes darting between yours as if waiting for your answer.

"Great!" she exclaims, flashing her pearly whites in a genuine smile. "Come on then," she says, linking arms with you and leading the way to the cafeteria. Over her shoulder, she shoots Lynn and the rest of the group an overly dramatic wink before turning back to focus on Dio.

"So, what do you think of our school so far?" Olivia asks, trying to make conversation as they walk. "And how's your family adjusting to the move?" She knows she should be asking questions about him, but she can't help but want to share a bit more about herself as well.

"Oh, really?" She furrows her brow in surprise and glances at him sideways. "Well that's kind of different, isn't it? Usually people who move here are with their families or something. How come you decided to make the move on your own?" Her tone is light and curious, wanting to know more about this enigmatic boy she finds herself walking next to.

"What do you mean by that?" she asks, a concerned frown spreading across her face. "Did something happen back home? Are you in some kind of trouble?" She squeezes his arm gently, looking up at him with deep blue eyes filled with worry.

They arrive at the cafeteria, and Lynn and her other friends are already sitting at their usual table near the front. Olivia feels an unspoken tug-of-war between wanting to keep Dio close to her and not wanting to seem too needy or clingy. Eventually, she reluctantly releases his arm and motions for him to take a seat across from her.

"So, where do you live in Newport Beach?" Olivia asks conversationally, deciding to change the subject as they sit down. "I've only been here for a few months myself. It took me forever to find the perfect place." She flashes him an endearing smile, hoping he'll open up more about himself now that they're sitting together at lunch.