Chapter 1 LOVE IN THE HALLWAY

The Invisible Girl and the Star Athlete Olivia Hart was no stranger to the quiet corners of the high school hallway, those hidden spots where students like her spent most of their time. She was not exactly invisible, but she was not the type of girl who turned heads either. And that was perfectly fine by her. Her world was simple, study hard, avoid unnecessary drama, and stay in her comfort zone.

Books were her escape. While others spent their free time gossiping, partying, or obsessing over the latest trends, Olivia found solace in the pages of her favorite novels. She preferred a predictable life. No surprises. No risks.

But then there was Ethan Cole. The Untouchable Star He was everything Olivia wasn't outgoing, athletic, and effortlessly charming. A senior. The captain of the football team. Every girl's dream. While Olivia preferred to blend into the background, Ethan owned every room he walked into. She told herself she was not one of those girls who faover him. She had always been immune to the Ethan Cole effect. At least, that is what she wanted to believe. The truth? She had harbored a secret crush on him for nearly two years. It had started small,just a glance, a quiet admiration from afar. She had first noticed him in history class when he shared a funny story about his little brother. His laughter was so effortless, so full of life, that she had smiled without even realizing it. That smile had turned into something more. A small flutter in her stomach whenever she saw him. A secret thrill whenever he walked by. But she knew the rules of high school.

Ethan Cole did not notice girls like her. Or so she thought. A Chance Encounter One late afternoon, Olivia stepped out of the library, her books clutched tightly to her chest. She had barely taken a few steps when she heard footsteps behind her.

She turned.

And nearly froze on the spot. Ethan Cole was walking beside her. Not just passing by.

Walking with her.

Her breath caught in her throat.

He was not looking directly at her, but his presence was impossible to ignore. "Hey, Olivia, right?" His voice was casual, friendly. Like this was normal. He knew her name. Her heart slammed against her ribcage. "Yeah," she managed to say, trying to sound normal. "How's it going?" "Good." Ethan glanced at the books in her arms, then smirked. "Still reading all those books, or have you finally switched to something more interesting?" Heat rushed to Olivia's face. Was he... teasing her? "I read books because I like them," she muttered, her voice quieter than she intended.

But I guess I could try something new... Ethan chuckled.

Well, if you are ever in the mood to get out of your head, you should join us for game night sometime. We are not as serious as you think. And just like that, he gave her a grin and walked off. His friends called to him from across the parking lot, and without another word, he disappeared into the crowd. Leaving Olivia standing there, completely and utterly stunned. Did that just happen? Ethan Cole had spoken to her. Actually spoken to her. A small part of her wanted to run home and tell her best friend. Another part-the realist inside her-told her not to get her hopes up. Ethan was just being polite.

That was all.

Right?

A Crack in the Walls She Built The next few weeks blurred into a haze of schoolwork, quiet lunches, and... Ethan. It was not that anything major happened. But suddenly, he was... there. A simple "Hey" in the hallway. A nod when their eyes met. And then one afternoon, the unexpected- "Hey, Olivia, want to sit with us today?" Olivia blinked. Ethan Cole was inviting her to sit with his group. For a moment, she hesitated. This was not her world. But before she could talk herself out of it, she found herself nodding. She sat at the edge of the table, feeling awkward and completely out of place. The conversation around her was loud, filled with inside jokes and stories she did not understand.

But then, Ethan leaned toward her.

"You okay?"

His voice was low, just for her.

And for some reason, that tiny gesture made her relax. She nodded. Yeah... I am good.

And maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something new.