Ellie White stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the silver chain around her neck. The charm was small, barely noticeable, but it was the only real part of her outfit. Everything else—the perfectly styled hair, the soft pink lipstick, the carefully chosen sweater that made her look effortlessly put-together—was just another layer of the mask she wore every day.

Today was the first day of senior year, and like every year before, she had one goal: blend in, stay perfect, let no one see past the surface.

She took a deep breath, plastered on a smile, and stepped out of her room.

"Ellie!" Ava Langley's voice rang across the parking lot as Ellie climbed out of her mom's car. Ava, her best friend since freshman year, looked effortlessly cool in ripped jeans and an oversized flannel. Her dark curls bounced as she rushed over, wrapping Ellie in a quick hug.

"You look so... you," Ava teased, motioning to Ellie's soft, preppy outfit.

"And you look like you rolled out of bed," Ellie shot back, smirking. This was their dynamic—light teasing, no real depth. That's why it worked.

Ava looped her arm through Ellie's as they walked toward the school entrance. Westbrooke High loomed ahead, a mix of glass windows and brick walls that held four years' worth of memories—some good, some she wished she could erase.

"So," Ava continued, lowering her voice. "New school year, new start. Any chance you're gonna finally open up to a guy this year?"

Ellie laughed, shaking her head. "Not happening."

Ava groaned. "Come on, El. You're literally the queen of keeping guys at arm's length. I don't think I've ever seen you actually—"

Ellie cut her off with a warning glance. Ava didn't know the full story, but she knew enough to understand that Ellie had her reasons.

Before the conversation could go any further, the crowd in the hallway suddenly shifted. A low hum of whispers filled the air as a tall figure stepped through the front doors.

Ryan Carter.

Ellie had no idea who he was, but the way people reacted, she could tell he was new. He was tall, dark-haired, and had an effortlessly cool energy that made people stare. He wore a simple hoodie and jeans, but there was something about the way he carried himself—confident, but not cocky.

"New guy alert," Ava whispered, nudging Ellie. "And damn."

Ellie wasn't interested. She didn't do distractions. But as she turned to look at Ryan, she was surprised to find him already looking at her.

Their eyes met for a split second—too quick for anyone else to notice, but just long enough for Ellie to feel... exposed.

Something about the way he looked at her made her uncomfortable. Not in a bad way, but in a too-intense, too-knowing way.

Like he saw right through her.

She quickly looked away, brushing it off. It was nothing. Just another new face.

But as she walked toward her locker, trying to shake the feeling, she didn't notice that Ryan was still watching her.

And for the first time in a long time, Ellie wondered if her mask was starting to slip.