From Geek to Beast

Allison walked into her first-period English class, still reeling from the morning. The whispers hadn't stopped, and her every step felt like it was being scrutinized. She slid into a seat near the middle of the classroom, grateful for a moment to catch her breath.

"Nice bag."

The voice came from behind her, smooth and deep with a hint of amusement. Allison turned to see the speaker—and immediately froze.

The guy leaning casually against the desk behind her looked like he had stepped straight out of a magazine. Tousled black hair fell across his forehead, and his piercing green eyes were sharp enough to make her heartbeat skip. A sleek leather jacket clung to his broad shoulders, contrasting with the casual white T-shirt underneath. He had an aura about him, like he owned the room without even trying.

"Uh... thanks," Allison said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The corner of his mouth quirked into a half-smile. "You're new here, huh?"

"No, not really," she replied, her brows furrowing. "I've been here since freshman year."

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking over her. "Could've fooled me."

Allison felt her cheeks flush. It was clear he didn't recognize her—just like everyone else.

"I'm Allison," she said, extending a hand awkwardly.

"Logan," he replied, taking her hand in his. His grip was firm, his skin warm against hers.

The air seemed to shift as he held her gaze a second too long, making her pulse quicken. She pulled her hand back, suddenly hyperaware of every move she made.

"So, what's your story, Allison?" Logan asked, leaning forward slightly. "You've got this... mysterious vibe going on."

"Mysterious?" Allison echoed, letting out a nervous laugh. "I'm about as un-mysterious as it gets."

Logan tilted his head, his green eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't think so. You look like someone with secrets."

Allison blinked, her stomach flipping. How could he know?

Before she could respond, the teacher walked in, clapping her hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, class, settle down. Open your books to Act I of Hamlet. Let's dive in."

Allison turned back to the front, trying to focus, but she could feel Logan's gaze burning into her. Every so often, she glanced back, and sure enough, he was watching her with that same half-smile.

When the class ended, Logan fell into step beside her as they walked into the hallway.

"So, Allison," he said casually, "do you always fly under the radar, or is today some kind of debut?"

"Maybe a little of both," she replied, surprised at how easily the words came out.

Logan chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Interesting. I think I'll stick around and see how this plays out."

Before she could ask what he meant, he shot her a wink and sauntered off, leaving her standing there, stunned.

For the rest of the day, Allison couldn't stop thinking about Logan—the way he seemed to see right through her, like he knew there was more to her than what everyone else saw.

And for the first time, she wondered if there was more to him, too.