Sarah never expected to feel eyes on her in a high school classroom, especially eyes as intense as his. She was in tenth grade, tomboyish as ever in her usual jeans and oversized hoodie, and she wasn't exactly the girl boys sent love notes to. She was friends with everyone, mostly a little "one of the guys" - that was her role, and she was fine with it.

Until she wasn't. Until she caught Felix watching her, his gaze thick with some kind of challenge she couldn't quite name.

Felix was tall, with a jawline that looked like it could cut glass and shoulders that seemed to crowd the whole room. He had this aura, part mystery, part danger, like he knew how to break every rule and still come out on top. He was loud, sharp-tongued, always the one mouthing off to teachers or sauntering into the cafeteria like he owned it. A guy who always left people nervous and speechless, because he didn't play by anyone's rules. And every so often, his gaze would find her. It made her spine tingle, the kind of thrill you get when you're on a rollercoaster and know the drop is coming.

At first, she thought it was nothing, but over time, she realized Felix was always sitting in the back row, where he could see her best. And every day, his path through the hallways somehow crossed hers. He'd brush past, his broad shoulder grazing her arm, close enough for her to smell that faint trace of cologne, dark and spicy. One time, he'd turned, his eyes locking onto hers, and that look? it was electric, terrifying, thrilling. The world faded, just for a second, leaving her blushing as she darted away.

The note in her book was next-level, though. Tucked between herpages, written in bold, masculine letters, it read: "I've watched you, and I can't get you out of my mind. I think you're beautiful, and you don't even realize it. Yours, Secret Admirer."

Sarah's heart raced. She didn't know what to think. Her mind immediately raced to Avi, her hopeless crush since eighth grade. He was perfect - soft-spoken, with this curly, boy-next-door vibe and eyes that never even noticed her. Avi wasn't like Felix. He was safe, charming, the kind of guy who'd hold the door open for everyone and volunteer for every project. She'd watched him from a distance, admiring his smile, his kindness. That's the guy she wanted to see her, to feel something for her.

But this note? it had a rawness that didn't quite fit Avi. Her gaze slid back to Felix. He was leaning against his locker, muscular arms crossed, dark eyes tracking her every move with a smirk that looked like he knew something she didn't. He didn't even look away when she caught him staring.

Her heart skipped. What did Felix want with her? And did she dare to find out?