Greedy. That's what I wanted to say so bad, No I'm lying I wanted to scream It from the top of my lungs, she was greedy wasn't she? She's already the volleyball captain when I no doubt worked way harder than her, she already has perfect grades, she has like 200 friends(No exaggeration by the way), she even hosts the bonfire parties but now she even wants him to. It's not a normal boy, hes not a normal boy. He is passionate, strong-willed, and doesn't shut up, but I like that he can talk for hours and hours, Miss Zara Lane took the valedictorian spot from me, and now she even wants my crush, How selfish can my former best friend get?!

"Star hellooooo?"

A locker slammed

I jumped out of my thoughts and took a deep breath "You're totally spacing out what's on your mind girl?" She gave me a smile, the dumb bright perfect smile then nudged my arm. "Sorry, I'm just worried about.."

"The Volleyball game!" She looked as If she didn't buy It but shrugged and then tried giving me another smile

"I get it, but we've won all our middle school games. Nothing's gonna change!" Zara pumped a fist in the air.

"Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. She nodded, all confident. Little does she know, it already has.

"Your name was Spark!" she said, grinning like she'd just remembered something amazing. "No one's gonna beat us—we're, like, the best sports duo to exist!" Her energy was almost contagious. Almost.

I shook my head but couldn't help laughing. "There are way better sports duos, you know."

She waved me off, walking behind me and bumping into people along the way. No one cared, though. She was the Zara. After a few moments of weird silence, she finally spoke up.

"Ohhh yeah, and where are the others?" she asked, her voice back to bubbly.

"Others?"

"Star..."

"Oh! Yeahhh, the others! Well, we're meeting at the bonfire after school," I said quickly, picking up my pace.

"Perfect! I heard Kendrick's coming," she sang, practically drooling over my crush. I shook the feeling off. Technically, it wasn't like she even knew about my crush on him. So, I should give her a break. Right?

"Have fun with that," I muttered, trying to sound nonchalant. But my chest felt like it was going to burst. This is horrible, and it's only the first week of school. Why can't I just forget about this boy and let Zara have him? He's just a stupid boy.

Zara raised an eyebrow at me. "You haven't congratulated me once, Star."

I blinked. "Congratulations?"

What? Did she want an award for being a horrible friend and leaving the group to fall apart over the summer? Because if so, she'd win that hands down.

"You like a boy. Woohoo. Congrats," I said, rolling my eyes.

"So mean, Staaaar!" she whined.

I sighed, trying not to lose it. Maybe I should skip the bonfire. We've got a volleyball game tomorrow, and I really need sleep—not that I care about volleyball anymore, but Zara can't know that. I can't let her beat me at one more thing.

But the bonfire is tradition. It's where we all used to click. Maybe I should stop overthinking. It's just one night. What's the worst that could happen?

I stopped in my tracks, my chest tightening as I saw King and Prince up ahead. Zara, oblivious as always, walked straight into my back.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed, rubbing her nose.

King and Prince. I hadn't talked to them since 8th grade. They were still part of the group, but... am I? Would it be so hard for someone to reach out? To text me, at least? Life alone is peaceful, I guess, no drama or awkward silences. But still, I wanted to believe we were still friends, right? Why didn't they reach out this summer? Were they busy? Or had they moved on?

Before I could settle my thoughts, Zara ran ahead like she could read my mind, practically launching herself at King and Prince with a hug. By the time I snapped out of it, I saw her laughing with them, her usual carefree smile plastered on her face.

I walked closer, every step a little heavier. "Who's your friend, Zara?" Prince asked, his eyes shifting to me.

My heart skipped. I felt the lump in my throat, and I swallowed hard, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. How does he not even remember me? I've known him since second grade, for heaven's sake.

Tears threatened to spill, but I blinked them away. The hallway felt colder. But then Prince grinned.

"Just kidding!" He laughed. "Zara, Star—everyone's going to the bonfire today, right?"

King nudged him, looking over at me.

"The gang's getting back together," I said, forcing a smile.

Zara perked up and twirled her hair while clinging to Prince's arm. "Oooh, what should I wear?" she asked.

I couldn't help but chuckle, despite myself. Prince and Zara? Never. But they do look kinda cute together...

"What if we match?" King suggested, clearly all in for the bonfire.

"No! I've matched with you my whole life. This time, I'm matching with Kiara," Prince said with a smug grin.

"Kiara?" Zara perked up, letting go of Prince's arm. "Tell me you're seeing each other—come on, come on, come on!" She shook Prince, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Zara, let go," Prince said, dizzy from her antics.

King laughed. "He's totally in the friend zone. Don't worry, ladies—you're still in the running."