There were worse things than being late to university for the 69th time.

For example, I could be running from a rabid bear intent on mauling me into the next century. Or I could be tied to a chair in a dark basement, forced to listen to Aqua's "Barbie Girl" on repeat until I'd rather gnaw off my own arm than endure that infernal chorus one more time.

But just because things could be worse didn't mean this didn't suck. Stop. Think positive thoughts.

"I'm doomed today. Why did I trust my alarm? That damn thing didn't wake me up!" I muttered, quickening my pace, though it felt pointless at this stage.

"Elena, you should run. This walking thing is getting you nowhere," I told myself, now practically sprinting down the hallway. The class had already started.

My feet caught on themselves, and I nearly face-planted. I braced for impact, but instead of hitting the cold tile, something-no, someone-caught me.

I blinked and found myself staring into a pair of piercing green eyes. They locked onto mine, unreadable. Were they filled with love? Hate? Honestly, I couldn't tell, but damn, they were nearly perfect. My gaze wandered down his face, lingering on his lips, a deeper shade of pink than mine. It was as if the universe had taken extra care sculpting him-every detail crafted to near perfection.

"I know I'm handsome, and you probably want to kiss me, but could you get off me? You're kind of heavy," he said, a smug smirk spreading across his ridiculously flawless face.

"Huh? What? Kiss you? Are you out of your mind? And I'm heavy? Really?" I snapped, pushing myself off him with more force than necessary.

"Yeah, you heard me." He shrugged, unfazed.

"Aiden, say that again, and you'll regret it," I growled through clenched teeth.

"Oh, really?" he said, smirking harder, like he wanted me to lose it.

Without another word, I stomped on his foot. Hard.

The groan that escaped him was strangely satisfying.

"Watch what you say next time," I muttered, turning to leave.

But of course, Aiden wasn't done. He grabbed my wrist and slammed me back against the wall.

"You'll pay for that, Hart," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"In your dreams," I shot back, though I wasn't entirely sure I believed it.

---

By the time I stumbled into the classroom, still breathing hard, I already knew I was screwed.

"Excuse me, sir," I called, standing awkwardly at the door.

"Late again, Ms. Hart?" Mr. Fitz didn't even look up from his notes.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Fitz. Please let me in. I swear I won't be late again," I pleaded, already cringing at my empty promise.

"Didn't you say the same thing yesterday?" he asked dryly.

"Um... I promise I mean it this time," I said with a strained smile.

"Let's see," he said, gesturing for me to take a seat.

I slid into my chair next to Zoe, who raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you weren't coming," she whispered.

"How could I leave my bestie without a headache?" I shot back, pulling out my notebook.

---

When the bell rang, signaling lunch, Zoe and I headed to the cafeteria. The smell of greasy fries and burnt coffee hit me immediately.

Zoe went to grab food while I took a detour to the bathroom. When I returned, I found two plates already set at a table-but no Zoe.

"Maybe she's gone somewhere," I muttered, sliding into a seat. That's when I heard his voice.

"Can't you just leave me alone for once?"

I groaned inwardly. Of course, it was Aiden Cladwell.

"What do you want now, Aiden?" I didn't even bother looking up from my phone.

"Go away. This is my spot," he said smugly.

I glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "Are you drunk?"

"What?" He looked genuinely confused.

"Pretty sure you are," I said, unfazed, turning back to my phone.

Before he could reply, Ethan-his sidekick-chimed in. "Elena, he's right. This is our spot."

"Oh, great. Another drunk person," I muttered, standing up.

"What's going on?" Zoe appeared, glancing between me and the two guys.

"Zoe, tell them whose spot this is," I said confidently.

To my horror, Zoe just shrugged. "Elena, this isn't our spot. They're right."

My jaw dropped. "What?!"

"That's our spot," she said, pointing two benches away.

Aiden laughed. "Now who's drunk?"

"Shut up, Aiden," I muttered, face flushing with embarrassment.

---

The rest of lunch passed uneventfully-if you didn't count me occasionally shooting glares at Aiden while he smirked across the room.

---

"Do you know what tomorrow is?" Zoe asked as we headed to clclass.l

"It's Sunday. Finally!" I said, practically skipping.

"No! It's my birthday," she said, pretending to pout.

I groaned. "Oh, right. Testing you. Totally didn't forget."

She grinned. "Good. Because you're coming to my party tomorrow, no excuses!"

I sighed. "Fine. I'll come. Just for you."

Zoe squealed and hugged me tightly.

"SO GUYS, LISTEN UP!" she shouted, turning to the entire class. "TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY, AND YOU'RE ALL INVITED. DON'T BE LATE. 7 PM!"

The room erupted in cheers, and people started wishing her an early happy birthday.

Just then, Mr. Mayer walked in, silencing the chatter with his usual disapproving glance. Everyone quickly settled in, preparing for another long lecture.

---

Sunday mornings were supposed to be for sleeping in, drinking coffee, and ignoring the world.

But instead, I found myself stuck at the mall with Zoe, helping her pick out the "perfect birthday dress" for tonight's party.

"Elena, tell me the truth. Does this one scream, 'I'm fabulous,' or 'I'm trying too hard?'" Zoe spun around in a glittery gold dress that was borderline blinding.

"It screams, 'I'm a disco ball,'" I said, shielding my eyes dramatically.

Zoe sighed, stomping back into the fitting room. "You're no help at all."

"That's because I didn't sign up for this," I muttered under my breath, sinking further into the plush chair in the corner.

I was scrolling through my phone, half-asleep, when a familiar voice interrupted my peace.

"Well, well. Fancy seeing you here, Hart."

I froze. Of course. Because the universe hated me.

I looked up to see Aiden Cladwell standing there, a shopping bag in one hand and that infuriating smirk plastered on his stupidly perfect face.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, already annoyed.

"Shopping. It's a mall, in case you hadn't noticed." He leaned against the rack next to me, clearly enjoying himself.

"You? Shopping? Don't you have people for that?" I shot back, eyeing him suspiciously.

He grinned. "Not today. Thought I'd try being a regular person for once. What about you? Here to buy some personality?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Careful, Cladwell. I've got nothing to lose today."

Before he could reply, Zoe burst out of the fitting room, now wearing a sleek black dress. "Elena! What about this one-oh." She stopped mid-spin when she saw Aiden.

"Hey, Zoe," he said, flashing her a much friendlier smile than the one he usually gave me.

"Aiden! What are you doing here?" Zoe asked, practically glowing.

I rolled my eyes. Of course, everyone loved him.

"Just picking up a few things," he said, lifting the bag in his hand.

Zoe beamed. "You're coming to the party tonight, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it," he said smoothly.

Great. Just great.

Zoe turned back to me, oblivious to the storm brewing in my head. "What about the dress, Elena? Yes or no?"

"Yeah, it's fine," I said distractedly, glaring at Aiden.

"Fine? That's it?" Zoe pouted.

"It's fine, Zoe. Can we go now?"

Before she could protest, Aiden spoke up. "You know, Hart, you're really bad at giving compliments. No wonder you're single."

My jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," he said, smirking like he'd just won the lottery.

Zoe, bless her soul, quickly stepped in. "Okay, okay. Let's not start a war in the middle of the mall."

"Don't worry, Zoe," I said through clenched teeth. "This war's been going on for years."

"True," Aiden added. "And I always win."

"You wish," I shot back.

Zoe sighed, shaking her head. "You two are impossible. I'm going to pay for the dress. Try not to kill each other while I'm gone."

As soon as she disappeared, I turned to Aiden. "Why are you really here? Don't tell me you followed me."

"Don't flatter yourself," he said, crossing his arms. "I was here first. You're just ruining my day."

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing," I muttered.

We stood there in tense silence until Zoe came back, her hands full of bags. "Okay, I'm done! Let's go grab lunch."

"Good idea," Aiden said, falling into step beside us.

"Why are you coming?" I asked, horrified.

"Zoe invited me," he said casually, as if that was a perfectly valid reason.

Zoe grinned. "The more, the merrier!"

I groaned. This Saturday was turning into my personal nightmare.

---

Over greasy burgers and fries at the food court, Aiden somehow managed to insert himself into every conversation, teasing me relentlessly while Zoe giggled at his jokes.

By the time we were done, I was ready to throw him into the nearest fountain.

As we left the mall, Aiden leaned in close, his voice low so only I could hear. "See you tonight, Hart. Try not to miss me too much."

I glared at him, watching as he walked away, hands in his pockets, looking far too pleased with himself.

"This party is going to kill me," I muttered.

Zoe just laughed. "Oh, come on, Elena. It'll be fun!"

Sure. Fun. If your definition of fun included dealing with Aiden Cladwell all night long.

---