It was the first day of school after summer break, and the promise of new experiences and perhaps new school problems hung in the air. But for you, the morning seemed like just a monotonous repetition: the same school structure, the same old faces, and the oppressive heat that stifled the atmosphere. The prospect of a chemistry class with the dreaded teacher Carmen, a woman who gave you goosebumps and failing grades, only made things worse.

You walked the halls listlessly, eager only to reach your locker and grab your chemistry textbook to face the next hour of torture. As you reached it and entered the password, a shrill voice pulled you from your thoughts.

"Oh my God, who's that hottie? Is he a new student?" a random girl whispered excitedly to her friend.

You, accustomed to the meaningless chatter, would have ignored the comment if it weren't for the chain reaction that followed. More and more girls joined in, forming a chorus of giggles and mischievous whispers. Curiosity overcame your desire to flee class, so you turned, following the direction of their mesmerized gazes.

Your heart skipped a beat.

Standing, leaning against a locker, was Ethan, your best friend. But something was different. The boy you knew, the one who hid under sweatshirts, had been replaced by a taller version, his muscles straining against his shirt. His black hair, which had previously covered his eyes, was now perfectly styled, framing a face with defined features. He smiled at the people who greeted him, and the gesture exposed those dimples you knew so well, but which now seemed to have a new power. The scene was almost surreal, as if your best friend had stepped out of a movie and become a superhero suddenly worshipped by everyone.