Chapter 4: Rewrite the Script

Jason waits and waits, but the heroine doesn’t come.

Now he’s totally freaking out.

He paces the halls, checking his phone every five minutes. His friends try to talk him down, but he’s too worked up to listen.

At lunch, he blocks my way and accuses me of stealing his girl.

He’s got that wild look in his eyes, like he’s about to start a fight in the middle of the cafeteria. Not that I’m worried. I stand my ground, refusing to back down.

"What does ‘hitting on girls’ even mean?"

We lock eyes, and I ask, honestly confused, "I’m just looking out for her."

Next to us, Charlotte’s cheeks turn red.

She fidgets with her lunch tray, trying to make herself invisible. I shoot her a reassuring smile.

Jason grits his teeth and explains what ‘hitting on girls’ means.

He launches into a rambling explanation, hands waving. This should be good. I listen, trying not to laugh at his awkward phrasing.

I think back on my actions and look at him, unimpressed.

"Even before anyone called it 'hitting on girls,' I figured noticing what a girl feels was kind of a gift."

"Sorry, I just can’t do the stuff you do that makes girls cry."

There’s a double meaning in my words.

Jason grabs my collar. "Shameless!" We’re both guys—don’t think I don’t see what you’re up to!

"Charlotte is mine. I like Charlotte, and she likes me too. You, Mr. Smooth—get lost."

Who’s anything like you?

I raise an eyebrow, pulling away from his grip. “I don’t like the term ‘king of flirting.’ Makes it sound like girls are just trophies. Everyone deserves to be respected and loved.”

I push him off, hands in my pockets, dead serious. Not playing around.

"Man, show some respect."

Jason freezes for a second, then gets even madder.

He looks like he might explode. The whole cafeteria is watching now, the tension thick enough to cut with a butter knife.

"Shut up, Riley! Take back your lines!"

"Why would I need lines for this... Everything I say is real."

As we’re arguing, I’m considering how to knock the male lead down when—

"That’s enough, both of you."

Charlotte, standing between us, takes a deep breath.

She squares her shoulders, voice steady. For the first time, she looks like she’s ready to take control of her own story.

"Get lost!"

Jason’s eyes light up. "Hear that? Charlotte told you to get lost!"

"No, Jason, I’m telling you to get lost."

She meets his gaze, unflinching. For a second, the world goes quiet, and all I can do is smile. Maybe, just maybe, the script’s finally changing.