The Fine Line Between Us

First Impressions Bite

CLAIRE'S POV

9th September of 2022, the first day of school and the first day of seeing HIM. We went to the city zoo as a class for the first time. The smell of popcorn instantly hit me as well as the loud laughter of my classmates. But there was an unfamiliar laugh that stood out from everyone else. My friend Tammy didn't even have to say anything and I noticed a new face. He was leaning against the ticket counter as he owned the whole place and laughing at something Dominic said. His laugh was loud enough to make me notice him from far away. His freshly summer tanned skin and bright blue eyes caught attention of half the girls in my class. And his hair – dark and curly. I have never seen a boy like that. " Look! We have a new classmate!" Tammy whispered to my ear. I didn't even bother to pretend like I hadn't noticed that smiley face of his. "He's from Madrid. Private school, I think," she added, her voice dripping with curiosity. I already smelled some trouble. Our class teacher Mayberry introduced us to him. His name was Matteo De Luca. He used to go to a private school in Madrid just like Tammy said. What a nepo baby, definitely got there because of his daddy's money. That almost annoying confidence of his made so much more sense now. "He thinks that he can buy all of us, but he isn't fooling me." I whispered to Tammy's ear. She nodded.

We moved to the aviary, but the warm air and colorful parrots couldn't distract me. Matteo and Dominic walked in, their chatter drowning out Tammy's gossip. His laugh was louder than the birds, and when I turned to glare, our eyes met. He grinned.

"See something you like?" he asked, his smirk daring me to respond.

I rolled my eyes and said: "Yeah, a reason to avoid this side of aviary."

I grabbed Tammy and Bella by their arms and quickly left the aviary.

"Hey, Claire what was that? I never saw you this nervous near a guy" Bella giggled.

"Oh, shut up." I said with slight annoyance.

"Oh, come on, Claire. Admit it—you're totally fascinated by him." said Bella.

"I'd rather admit to liking pineapple on pizza."

After that we moved to the lion exhibit. The lions rested while their golden furs shined in the sun. Matteo leaned casually against the railing, his tan skin glowing in the sunlight. "Let me guess," he said, glancing at me.

"You're the kind of person who thinks lions should be running free in the wild instead of lying around here."

I frowned. "And you're the kind of person who thinks being loud makes you interesting."

"Sharp tongue, I like it." said Matteo with his usual cocky smirk.

"I don't need you to like it," I said flatly, brushing past Matteo to stand near Tammy and Bella. My heart beated out of my my chest, and I hated it. Why was he getting under my skin already?

"What's his deal?" Tammy whispered, tossing a glance over her shoulder. Matteo was now talking to Dominic, but every so often, I swore I caught his eyes flicker toward me.

"He's the kind of guy who thinks he's better than everyone else because he's new and mysterious," I muttered, crossing my arms. "I bet he can't even spell mysterious."

Bella giggled. "You're overthinking it, Claire. He's just a boy."

"Exactly," I shot back. "Just a boy with a punchable face."

I heard Matteo's laugh again, pulling my attention like a magnet. He was laughing at something Dominic said, but I swore he turned just enough to smirk in my direction. I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck.

"All right everyone, we're heading to the penguin exhibit." Mr. Mayberry called out, clapping his hands for attention. I hung back, hoping Matteo would walk ahead with Dominic. No such luck.