TWO

Best friend.

What even is that, really? We all throw the term around, but if you stop and think about it, it’s something far more profound.

A best friend is that person who doesn’t just know your secrets; they know you, the you beneath all the layers.

They’re the one who sticks by your side through every high and low, cheering you on even when you don’t believe in yourself and calling you out when you’re on some nonsense.

They’re like family, but they’re different from family too. They’re a choice, a bond built from every shared laugh, every late-night confession, every moment you thought no one else would understand.

Everyone has a best friend. And me? I’ve got Millie Hayes.

Millie and I go way back—eleven years, to be exact. We practically grew up in each other’s houses, being neighbors and all.

Her window is right across from mine. Our parents are best friends too, so from day one, it was as if the universe lined it all up perfectly, like, here’s your forever friend, have at it.

From kindergarten sandbox days to those cringe middle school dances to high school, Millie’s always been there.

It’s wild to think of all the stuff we’ve been through together, all the different versions of ourselves we’ve watched each other become.

If I had to describe her? She’s my shield.

Sure, I could go on about how she’s absolutely gorgeous—short, messy brown hair, those intense green eyes, a dusting of freckles across her nose that somehow makes her look both tough and innocent at once.

Oh, and she’s tall, with these long legs that make me feel like a hobbit standing next to her. Yeah, I’m definitely jealous sometimes. She’s cool, too, like ice queen cool.

No wonder everyone calls her that. But beneath all that, she’s got the softest heart. No one would guess it, but she’s the kind of person who’d risk everything to protect the people she cares about.

She’s also totally uninterested in boyfriends and dating, like, at all. It’s a bit of a mystery, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes wonder if she’s into girls or maybe just not into anyone.

Every time I ask, she laughs it off, gives me that mischievous smile, and says she’s only ever been interested in me.

“Grace, watch out!”

Before I can process what’s happening, bam—something smacks me hard on the side of the head. I feel myself dropping to the ground as the world spins around me in a blinding white blur.

Everything’s a mess of distant laughter and a throbbing ache in my skull.

I feel hands on me, and a concerned voice cuts through the ringing in my ears. “Grace, can you hear me?” It’s Juhyuk Lee. I think.

I squint, trying to open my eyes and make out his face. The world’s a bit hazy at first, but I manage to make out his worried expression as he helps me sit up.

I rub the side of my head, hissing as I touch the sore spot. “Are you okay, Grace? Can you see me?” he asks, his brow furrowed with concern as he helps me get back on my feet.

Kids around us are laughing, probably because I must’ve looked ridiculous getting knocked over by whatever hit me.

I ignore them, still dazed, trying to figure out who the hell threw that ball.

Then I see him, jogging toward us, and the sight almost snaps me back to reality in one go. This guy is like someone straight out of a teen drama—a lean, muscular frame, tanned skin, blonde hair, and abs that definitely aren’t normal for high school.

I’m openly staring as he stops in front of me, his skin glistening with sweat in a way that’s honestly unfair.

“I’m really sorry. You okay?” His voice has a smooth, British accent that somehow makes him even more ridiculous. I blink, still leaning against Juhyuk as I find my voice.

“Uh… yeah. I’m okay,” I manage, barely. He gives me this charming half-smile, and it’s almost enough to distract me from the throbbing pain in my head.

“That’s a relief,” he says, flashing one more smile before jogging back to the lacrosse team. I watch him go, still slightly in shock, trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’ve never seen him before.

“Who was that?” I ask Juhyuk, who’s still steadying me, shooting death glares at the people who are laughing at my little accident.

Juhyuk groans, rolling his eyes at my dazed expression. “Transfer student from England. Moved in yesterday. His name’s James Ellington. He’s in my biology class.”

James Ellington. No wonder I haven’t seen him around.

My gaze drifts back to the lacrosse field, where he’s already picked up his stick and is back in the game.

“You’re drooling,” Juhyuk teases, his voice dripping with sarcasm. 

I scoff, rolling my eyes. “No, I’m not.”

“Uh-huh, sure. I thought maybe getting hit in the head would’ve fixed you, but I guess not,” he shoots back, smirking. That earns him a half-hearted shove from me.

“Oh, please. Maybe you should’ve taken the hit then,” I retort, crossing my arms. 

He just shakes his head, unimpressed. “Says the one who was staring like she’d seen a unicorn.” 

Honestly, sometimes I think Juhyuk and Millie are cut from the same cloth. They always act annoyed anytime they catch me checking someone out. I give him a look, challenging. “So what if I was? He is handsome.”

He rolls his eyes again, in that classic “I’m over this” way, and just as I’m about to say something else, Juhyuk’s twin sister, Jugyoung, bounds over to us, calling out, “Hey, wait up!” 

The moment she reaches us, she beams, her face lighting up. “How’s your head?” she asks, feigning concern but with a hint of drama.

I laugh. “I’m fine, seriously.”

She gasps, her eyes widening in exaggerated shock. “Fine? You got hit by James Ellington! How are you just ‘fine’?” She puts on a pout, crossing her arms as if I’d let some miracle pass by.

“By the ball, Jugyoung. The ball,” Juhyuk repeats with a flat tone, rolling his eyes. But she’s already ignoring him, looping her arm through mine as we make our way toward the parking lot, her face lighting up with excitement.

“Oh my God, Grace, did you see him?” Jugyoung gushes, still buzzing from the encounter. “He’s mesmerizing! And that British accent… ugh, to die for.”

I shoot Juhyuk a smug look. “Now who’s drooling?”

He sighs, throwing in another classic eye-roll as I unlock my bike. Just as I’m waiting for Juhyuk to grab his, Jugyoung leans in close to me, eyes wide with a barely-contained thrill.

“Grace,” she whispers, her voice low but dripping with excitement, “I have big news.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s up?”

“Promise you won’t tell my brother? He’d totally freak out and tell our parents.”

I bite back a laugh, nodding. “Fine, I won’t tell.”

She glances over at Juhyuk to make sure he’s out of earshot, then turns back to me, smiling like she’s holding onto the biggest secret in the world. “I got invited to James Ellington’s party tonight!”

My jaw drops. “Wait, what? How?”

She lets out a little squeal, trying to keep her excitement contained. “I may have begged Charlotte to ask him if I could come, and she actually pulled through.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!” I say, genuinely impressed. I didn’t even know Jugyoung was in with that crowd. She grins, her excitement contagious.

“You have to come with me, Grace. You’re my ride-or-die.”

I feel a flicker of excitement, but then reality sets in. “I don’t know… sneaking out would be tough.”

“Just say yes, and we’ll make it work. Besides, it’ll be fun to check out the scene and maybe… see a certain British someone again?” She gives me a knowing smirk.

Before I can reply, Juhyuk steps closer, eyeing us suspiciously. “What are you two whispering about?”

We exchange a quick glance before Jugyoung straightens up, her face turning serious. “Nothing. Just… period talk.”

Juhyuk’s face shifts to one of instant horror, hands in the air. “Okay, I’m out,” he says, backing away to avoid further details, and we both laugh as he heads over to his bike.

Jugyoung turns back to me with a smirk. “You’re coming,” she mouths, her tone final. “I’ll pick you up tonight. Be ready.”

She heads off with a little wave, leaving me to consider the dilemma. Part of me is thrilled at the thought of going, of maybe meeting James again and seeing what the fuss is all about.

But I’d need to be careful— can’t tell my parents. And definitely can’t tell Millie. If she comes along, any chance I have of getting to know James will vanish.