Chapter 1: The Unseen Spark
Ethan had always been an unremarkable student — quiet, diligent, and content with anonymity. Yet, despite his humble demeanor, there was an inexplicable aura about him that seemed to attract attention, even though he never sought it. His classmates often teased him for being the embodiment of perfection, but Ethan never truly believed he was.
One afternoon, as the sun stretched long, casting soft shadows over the school courtyard, Ethan was walking towards the library when an unexpected collision occurred.
"Mind where you're going!" The voice was sharp, but not unkind.
When Ethan looked up, he found himself face-to-face with Ryan, a charismatic boy from his class. Ryan was the epitome of confidence — effortlessly charming, the kind of person everyone gravitated toward. Ethan, by contrast, had always preferred the tranquility of books to the bustle of high school life.
"My apologies," Ethan murmured, adjusting his glasses.
Ryan appraised him for a moment before a grin broke across his face. "No harm done. But honestly, you’re always in a rush, aren’t you?"
Ethan could only nod, too shy to engage further. But Ryan, the ever-approachable extrovert, clapped him on the back before walking away, leaving behind an odd sense of intrigue.
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