two different worlds

Dear Annie,

I'm struggling to make sense of why he's talking to me.

Asking my name, sure, but to actually start a conversation? That feels like a stretch. It's probably just because I was sitting there, and it would've been rude to ignore me, right? But then again, he didn't have to sit with me on the bleachers. He could've just said hi and walked away. I don't get it.

We're from two different worlds—as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire. Maybe I'm making this a bigger deal in my head than it really is. Maybe I'm just overthinking everything, like always. Maybe I'm my own worst enemy. Or maybe I'm just a realist.

I don't know.

But for now, I'm doing okay.

– Annie

Leo sighed.

He just wanted to talk to her. It was all he could think about. She had taken over his mind like some sort of infection or parasite. Invading his being and taking over. He craved a mere glimpse of her gentle eyes or that delicate smile that spread like a spring flower across her face. The sweet sound of her voice that would stick in his head like warm honey. Anything. Everything.

✉

Annie wasn't someone with many friends. She had always preferred to keep to herself, blending into the shadows and moving unnoticed through the halls. It wasn't that she hated people; she simply liked the quiet that came with being invisible. She was used to it—the lack of attention, the absence of acknowledgement. It was her comfort zone. Shrinking into the corners of classrooms, pressed against the walls of crowded hallways—did anyone even know she was there at all?

And now, one of the most popular boys in school, Leo Smith, was noticing her. Not just noticing her, but talking to her. It was a new and terrifying experience for Annie, and new things scared her. She couldn't help but expect the worst, though there was a small, budding part of her that was starting to enjoy the feeling of being seen.

Trying to make sense of it all, she did what she always did: pulled a sheet of paper from her bag. She planned to scribble out her thoughts, to bring order to the chaos in her mind. But before she could press her pen to the paper, the chair beside her was pulled out from under the table. She froze, her heart skipping a beat.

Leo sat down next to her.

She looked up at him, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Um... sorry. Can I help you?" Her voice came out soft, barely above a whisper.

Leo smiled, charmed by how delicate her words were. "I saw an empty seat and thought I'd say hi. I did say I'd see you around, didn't I?"

Annie's heart raced. She had so many questions but kept them to herself, instead biting back a shy smile. "Oh. Okay. Hi," she muttered, quickly diverting her gaze to hide the flush creeping up her cheeks.

Leo chuckled softly. "Hi," he repeated, amusement clear in his tone. His eyes fell on the blank paper in front of her. "What are you working on?" he asked, nodding toward the page.

"Um..." Annie stared at the paper, searching for an excuse. "Just studying," she finally said, her voice tight. She couldn't bring herself to admit that she'd been about to write down her scattered thoughts. It sounded too personal, too vulnerable, especially in front of someone like Leo.

Leo nodded thoughtfully, leaning back slightly. "What's your favorite subject?"

Annie blinked, surprised by the question. She felt her breath catch as she realized he was genuinely making conversation with her. Why is he talking to me? "Oh, um... English, I guess."

"Why English?" Leo pressed, his curiosity piqued.

Annie shrugged, trying to downplay the importance of her answer. "There are just so many ways to express yourself. So many different perspectives..." she trailed off, feeling a wave of nerves wash over her. She hoped she didn't sound stupid.

Leo's smile widened as he fought to keep his expression calm. "You're right," he agreed, his voice warm. "I once read that English helps people develop emotional intelligence. It broadens how you see the world."

Annie's eyes sparkled with surprise, her gaze locking with his for the first time. "You like English too?"

"I don't mind it," Leo replied with a grin, leaning back in his chair. "But I'll admit, I'm more of a science guy."

"Really?" Annie asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Yeah. I think it's fascinating to understand how things work, how there's so much happening beyond what you see," Leo said, his voice taking on a genuine tone.

Annie smiled softly, though she quickly looked away again, feeling shy under his attention. "I never thought about it like that. I guess you're right, too."

A brief silence settled between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Annie felt warm, almost giddy, which was new for her. She had always assumed Leo was just another popular jock, but this conversation was proving there was more to him than she had imagined. And, oddly, she liked what she was learning.

"Are you going to the game tonight?" Leo asked, breaking the quiet.

Annie shook her head, her voice soft. "No... I don't usually go to those things."

Leo bit his lip, holding back a frown. He had expected that answer, but it still disappointed him. "You should come," he suggested, leaning forward slightly.

"Why?" Annie asked, her voice barely a breath.

Leo's smile returned, charming and bright. "It'll be fun. High school football games are a must-experience. It's something you'll remember, I promise."

Annie raised an eyebrow, a small, skeptical smile tugging at her lips. "How so?"

Leo shrugged playfully. "The roaring crowd, the energy, cheering for your home team. It's an adrenaline rush. Plus, the milkshakes afterward are amazing. You don't want to miss that."

Annie felt herself relaxing a little, though she still couldn't shake the nagging thought that this was all too good to be true. Why was Leo Smith, of all people, showing interest in her? Still, when she looked into his eyes, she could see sincerity there. He wasn't mocking her or playing some cruel game. He genuinely seemed to want her there.

"Just say you'll think about it, and I'll stop bugging you," Leo added with a grin, sensing her hesitation.

Annie let out a soft, breathy laugh. "I'll think about it."

Leo nodded, satisfied. "Great." He stood up, straightening his jacket. "I guess I'll keep seeing you around, Annie Halden."

Annie watched him as he turned to leave, but before he walked out, he glanced over his shoulder and flashed her one last enchanting smile. It sent a strange thrill through her, something she wasn't used to feeling.

As Leo disappeared from sight, Annie sat back in her chair, her mind swirling. Why was he so interested in her? She was used to being invisible, not the center of attention. But now... she wasn't so sure. For the first time, someone like Leo was making her feel seen, and it both scared and excited her.

She stared down at the blank sheet of paper in front of her, the thoughts she had meant to write now forgotten. Instead, her mind was filled with questions—and a growing, undeniable sense of anticipation.