The cafeteria buzzed with students chatting and laughing. Sophia scanned the crowded room, searching for an empty seat. She spotted an opening at Amber's table and hesitated, wondering if she should join them.
Amber caught her eye and smirked. "Sorry, Sophia, but this table is reserved for people with taste." Her friends giggled, and Sophia felt a sting from the rejection.
Just as Sophia was about to walk away, Jaden appeared beside her. "Hey, Sophia, want to sit with me?" he asked, nodding towards an empty table.
Sophia hesitated, unsure if she should accept Jaden's offer. But Amber's glare made up her mind. "Thanks, Jaden. I'd love to," Sophia said, smiling.
As they sat down, Jaden asked Sophia about her favorite subjects. Sophia opened up, sharing her passion for literature and history. Jaden listened intently, asking thoughtful questions.
Amber's eyes narrowed, watching Sophia and Jaden with growing disdain. "Looks like Sophia's found a new friend," she whispered to her friends, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
But Sophia didn't let Amber's words bother her. She was too busy enjoying Jaden's company and feeling grateful for his kindness.
As Sophia and Jaden sat together, they discovered a shared love for music and movies. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and Sophia found herself feeling more and more at ease around Jaden.
Meanwhile, Amber watched from afar, her expression growing increasingly sour. She couldn't believe Jaden was spending time with "that girl." Amber had always thought of Jaden as hers, and the idea of him being interested in someone else was unbearable.
"What's going on with Jaden and that scholarship girl?" Amber asked her friends, her voice low and urgent.
"I don't know, but I think they're actually getting along," one of her friends replied.
Amber's eyes narrowed. "This isn't going to work. I need to do something."
Sophia, oblivious to Amber's schemes, continued to chat with Jaden, enjoying their newfound friendship.
As the lunch period drew to a close, Jaden walked Sophia to her next class. "Hey, want to study together for our history test?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. "Yeah, that sounds great," she replied, trying to sound casual.
Jaden grinned. "Awesome. I'll text you later, and we can figure out a time."
As they parted ways, Sophia couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She had never felt this way about anyone before, and she wasn't sure what to make of it.
Meanwhile, Amber watched from afar, her anger simmering. She couldn't believe Jaden was spending so much time with Sophia. Amber had always been the center of attention, and she wasn't about to let some newcomer steal her thunder.
As Sophia entered her next class, she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Jaden, holding out a piece of paper with his phone number scribbled on it.
"Just in case you need it," he said, his eyes locked on hers.
Sophia's heart fluttered as she took the paper, feeling a spark of electricity between them.