Neve knew something was a little strange when she walked into lunch that day and saw Alice glaring at Lucas and him just grinning back at her. Alice opened her mouth as if to say something, but saw Neve and turned away. After getting her food, Neve sat down across from him, sending him a questioning look.

"What was that all about? Between you and Alice, I mean," she said to him.

"That? Don't worry about it." He set his vivid blue eyes on her. "What's up?"

His eyes—they're blinding!

Neve smiled. Over the past week, they'd gotten close enough to call each other friends, though she couldn't stare straight at him for too long. He was too distinctly beautiful. "Nothing, really." Unless you count going into the Daemonsphere. But she couldn't tell him that—he'd think she was insane. "What about you?"

"I don't know, Neve." He sighed, eyebrows pointing downward. "What do you think?"

I think I don't care.

Like he asked you.

You don't like your man talking to another girl, hmm?

Neve grimaced, quickly bringing her mind back to the conversation. "Um, I don't know. That's why I asked."

He rolled his eyes in what seemed to be exasperation. "Look, I love talking about myself" - so self-centered! -  "and all, but I want to know about you too."

Is this sweet or suspicious? I really can't tell.

Neve stifled a laugh and said, "but there's nothing to say."

"I can't believe that. What do you do in your free time?"

It was at times like these that Neve really hated herself. She never did anything. She just sat around thinking about how terrible her life was. The only thing she did besides that was draw—terribly—and read. And she was a picky reader, so she barely even did that.

"I guess I read."

"That's it?"

She sighed inwardly. "That's it."

"That's going to change."

"What do you mean?"

Lucas grinned, eyes lighting up. "You're going to hang out with me, Angelica, and Alice after school." Though he appeared excited, he said these words in a whisper.

Neve's eyes widened. "What? I can't—"

"Why? Do you have plans after school?"

"No, but—"

"But nothing! You're coming out with us today."

Neve could barely get a word out between him cutting her off and her just being genuinely surprised. "I—uh—okay."

"Good." He paused, staring at her thoughtfully. "And don't bring Becca and Claire."

Neve blinked. "Huh?"

"Don't bring Becca and Claire," he repeated.

"Why?"

Because he wants you all to himself!

As a blush made itself known on her face, Neve thought, Shut up, Pandora.

"I think you know why."

If she had to be honest—no, she didn't. Claire and Becca were prettier, more amiable—to the people they wanted to be—and more interesting in general. Neve was rather mundane compared to them. However, there was always the slightest, smallest, most eensy weensy chance that Lucas didn't want them there because he didn't like them. But how was that even possible?

Maybe he's not an idiot. But only maybe.

Pandora!

Sorry, sorry.

Neve stared at Lucas, a frown making its way onto her face. He stared back, a smirk was on his face instead, as if he'd already won. She scowled at him, but his smirk only grew wider. Neve didn't know how it was possible, but he looked absolutely evil.

That's exactly why you should say no. He clearly has bad intentions for you.

Neve ignored Pandora, only focusing on Lucas. She gazed deep into his electric blue eyes and found herself smiling. "Okay. I'll go."

The smirk that had been growing on his face turned into a real smile. "Cool. Let's exchange numbers."

What in the actual fuck? That was sudden. Neve, don't give him your number.

Said girl only managed to stammer "W-w-why?" as her face turned a dark shade of red.

Lucas cocked his head at her, gazing at her with knowing eyes. "Why? So I can talk to you whenever I want."

Neve blanched. What was she supposed to say? Inviting her out with his friends was one thing, and would be—at least she thought it would be—a one-time thing. But if she gave him her number...

"If you really don't want to, you don't have to, Neve." Now, he was concerned for her. Great.

"N-No, it's fine." She brought out her phone.

Not long after they exchanged numbers and he told her he would text her the details later, Lucas left with Angelica and Alice to do "the thing" and Neve was left with second thoughts of what she'd just done.

+++

Lucas texted her about an hour after school ended, telling her they would pick her up at 4:00 pm and asking where she lived. She smiled, sending him her address without hesitation and gazing at the text for a longer time than what was considered normal.

Neve, do you have a crush on this guy or something? Seriously. You're acting kind of strange—you just sent him your address like it was nothing!

The phone slipped out of Neve's hand as dismay coursed through her.

Of course not. He's only going to pick me up. And I'm just... happy.

Because you've totally never felt happy before. Admit it—you've got a crush!

An uncomfortable knot formed in her stomach. I've only known him for a week. Why would I like him?

Neve, sometimes you're so naive it hurts. Pandora laughed. It doesn't take long to get a crush. In fact, you might've liked him since you guys first met. Who knows?

Neve groaned, cheeks reddening. God. What if she did have a crush on him?

At last, you see the light. Or the darkness. I mean, that guy's super weird. Hot but weird.

He's not weird!

Oh, but he is. Have you seen the look on his face sometimes? Jeez, he's actually kind of creepy when I think about.

Can we stop talking about this? It's making me uncomfortable.

It's not like we're actually talking.

Pandora, please!

Okay, okay, fine. Anyway, are you sure you want to go to this thing?

Why wouldn't I be?

Those three students, they're kind of weird. Not, like, their personalities, but just... them, in general. Maybe it would be best if you invited Becca and Claire. They're bitches, but they're definitely safer to be around than those three. And you're right, you've barely known them for a week! What if they do something to you?

Do you always assume the worst of people, Pandora, or is it just them?

Ugh, Neve, listen to me! It's not safe!

Pandora, it's in a public place. Even if they were secretly serial killers, they wouldn't be able to do shit in a place like that! Neve could feel herself getting more aggravated the longer this conversation went on.

Neve, I just want you to be careful.

She ran a hand through her hair, sighing. I know. Sorry.

It's okay, but don't let the feelings you have for Lucas get in the way of your common sense.

Yeah, you're right. I'm still going, though.

I figured. Time to dress up!

After an hour of Pandora judging Neve's outfits and whether they looked good on her or not, she decided on something.

"That's it! This is the one!" Pandora said, her physical form standing with hands on her hips and a satisfied smile. She'd insisted that she wouldn't be able to see the outfit properly from inside Neve's head—even though there was a person-sized mirror in her room—so she came out of her head for a bit.

Neve blinked. "It is?"

"It is!" Pandora glanced at the clock in her room. "Shit! They should be here any second."

Neve stood completely still, eyes wide as Pandora turned into a swirl of black and rushed into her eye. She stumbled backward a bit, but besides that was completely fine, no pain in her eyes. She was a bit surprised but shook it off, leaving her room.