The boy who never looked twice

Chapter 1

Wonderland was loud.
Not because of the creatures or the endless tea parties or even the Cheshire cats arguing with themselves.

It was loud because everyone always had something to prove.

Especially at Wonderland Academy.

Students hurried through twisting halls that rearranged themselves every morning. Magic sparked from classrooms. Playing-card guards marched through the courtyard while flamingos served as mail carriers overhead.

Pink walked through it all like she belonged.

She smiled at everyone.

Everyone smiled back.

She was clever, kind, and somehow managed to stay optimistic even when Wonderland itself tried to confuse her.

"Morning, Pink!"

"Hi!"

"Love your ribbons!"

She greeted everyone by name.

Everyone...

Except one person.

Max.

Not because she disliked him.

Because he always disappeared before she had the chance.

Max preferred rooftops.
He hated crowds.

He hated unnecessary conversations.

He hated people assuming they knew him because of who his family was.

The roof above the library was quiet.

No one bothered him there.

He sat with a sketchbook balanced on his knees, drawing impossible flowers that only bloomed in Wonderland.

"Still hiding?"

He didn't even look up.

"I prefer 'avoiding.'"

His best friend laughed.

"Same difference."

Max shrugged.

"People are exhausting."

His friend followed his gaze toward the courtyard below.

"...Except her."

Max frowned.

"What?"

"Pink."

"What about her?"

"You've been watching her for five minutes."

"I have not."

"You absolutely have."

"I was watching the fountain."

"The fountain she's standing next to."

Max rolled his eyes.

"...Coincidence."

His friend laughed even harder.

Pink noticed him.
Not watching.

Leaving.

Every single day.

Whenever classes ended...

There he went.

Books under one arm.

Headphones on.

Gone.

No lingering.

No chatting.

No clubs.