The next day, Bella walked into the classroom, her bag slung over her shoulder, her mind still half-focused on the presentation they had worked on yesterday. The room was already half full.

Her eyes found their usual spot. Mira was sitting there but she wasn’t alone.

A girl sat beside her. Dark hair, dark eyes, sharp features. She was beautiful. Striking. The kind of beauty that made people stop and stare. She was wearing a cream-colored sweater and her jewelry glinted under the fluorescent lights.

Krystal.

Bella had never met her, but she knew her. Karl had described her perfectly. The way she smiled with her lips but not her eyes. The way she touched people’s arms when she talked. The way she made everyone around her feel slightly less important.

Krystal looked up as Bella approached. Her eyes swept over Bella, taking in her clothes, her bag, her face. Her lip curled, just slightly, before she looked away.

Bella’s stomach tightened.

She had heard about Krystal from Karl. How she had been on leave, traveling, posting photos of beaches and cocktails. How she had texted Mira occasionally, asking for favors, for help with assignments, for someone to talk to when her other friends were busy. How Mira always said yes.

Now Krystal is back. And she had taken her place beside Mira.

Karl was sitting at the desk behind them, his arms crossed, his expression dark. His jaw was tight, his eyes fixed on the back of Krystal’s head like he was trying to set her on fire with his gaze.

Bella walked over and sat beside him.

"What happened?" she asked softly.

Karl didn’t look at her. "What do you think happened? Her best friend came back, and she left us." His voice was bitter and sharp. "We’re just her casual friends, apparently. Useful when no one else is around."

Bella glanced at Mira. She was talking to Krystal, her head tilted, her glasses slipping down her nose. She was smiling, the same warm smile she always gave Bella.

But she hadn’t saved Bella a seat. She hadn’t waved. She hadn’t even looked up.

Bella’s chest tightened.

"She didn’t mean to—" Bella started.

"She didn’t mean to?" Karl turned to her, his dark eyes flashing. "She knew we were going to sit together. We always sit together. But Krystal showed up, and suddenly we’re invisible."

"Karl—"

"I’m not upset." His voice cracked. "I’m just stating facts."

Bella didn’t believe him.

She looked at Mira again. Mira was laughing at something Krystal said, her shoulders relaxed, her guard down. She looked happy.

But Bella noticed the way Krystal’s hand rested on Mira’s arm possessively. The way she glanced around the room to see who was watching. The way her eyes flicked to Bella, then away, like she was assessing a competitor.

Krystal knew who Bella was. She had heard about her. The new girl, the pretty one, the one who had become friends with Mira.

And she didn’t like it.

Bella turned back to Karl. "We should focus on the presentation."

Karl let out a breath. "Yeah. Sure."

They pulled out their laptops, but neither of them really worked. Bella kept glancing at Mira. Karl kept glaring at Krystal.

The professor walked in, clapping for attention. "Alright, everyone, settle down. Today we’re going to review the presentation guidelines."

Bella tried to focus. She took notes. She highlighted key points. But her mind kept drifting.

When class ended, Mira turned around. Her smile was apologetic.

"Hey," she said softly. "Sorry about today. Krystal wanted to sit with me, and I didn’t want to say no."

Bella forced a smile. "It’s fine."

Karl stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "It’s not," he muttered.

Mira’s smile faltered. "Karl—"

"I said it’s fine."

He packed his bag and left without another word.

Mira watched him go, her expression troubled. Her shoulders slumped slightly.

"He’s just stressed about the presentation," Bella said.

Mira nodded, but she didn’t look convinced. Her eyes stayed on the door where Karl had disappeared.

Krystal appeared beside her, looping her arm through Mira’s. "Ready for lunch?" she asked, her voice sweet but sharp underneath.

Mira hesitated. She looked at Bella, her eyes apologetic.

Bella waved her off. "Go ahead. I’ll catch up with you later."

Mira nodded and let Krystal pull her away.

Bella sat alone at the desk, watching them go.

She had a bad feeling about this.

Seeing Bella standing alone, a girl approached her. She had short, pretty black hair that framed her face in soft waves, and striking blue eyes that looked almost violet in the afternoon light. Her skin was pale, her features delicate, and she wore a simple gray cardigan over a floral dress.

She looked nervous. Her hands were clasped in front of her, fingers twisting together.

"Um, excuse me," she said softly. "Can we have lunch together?"

Bella turned, surprised. The girl’s eyes were wide, hopeful, and a little shy.

Bella smiled. "Sure. I’m Bella."

"I know." The girl’s cheeks flushed pink. "I mean, I’ve seen you in class. You’re... everyone knows who you are. I’m Lily."

Bella extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Lily."

Lily shook it, her hand small and warm. She smiled brightly, warmly. She looked cute when she smiled.

They walked to the cafeteria together, weaving through the crowd of students. Lily was quiet at first, stealing glances at Bella like she couldn’t believe she was actually walking beside her.

Bella didn’t push. She just walked, letting Lily find her rhythm.

They found a small table near the window, away from the noise. Lily pulled out a lunch bag made of fabric covered in tiny cats. She unzipped it carefully, revealing a sandwich, an apple, and a small container of something that looked like yogurt.

Bella pulled out her own lunch as well.

They ate in silence for a few minutes. Then Lily spoke.

"I like your bag," she said, gesturing at Bella’s caramel leather crossbody.

Bella glanced down at it. "Thank you."

Lily nodded. "It’s nice. I like bags." She paused. "And shoes. And small cute things. Like keychains and pens. Anything small and cute, really."

Bella smiled. "Me too."

Lily’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really. I have a whole collection of pens. Different colors, different sizes. I don’t even use most of them. I just like having them."

Lily gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "I do that too! My mom says I have a problem."

Bella laughed. "It’s not a problem. It’s a hobby."

Lily grinned. "That’s what I tell her!"

They laughed together and Bella felt her shoulders relax.