She began to distance herself, giving short answers to Aaron's questions and walking away quickly when Jaden tried to talk to her. But both boys seemed to take her withdrawal as an even bigger challenge.

Aaron started leaving little notes on her desk - quotes about following your dreams, encouragement about her medical aspirations. Jaden began showing up everywhere she went, offering to carry her books, asking about her day with what seemed like genuine interest.

"You've been quiet lately," Maya observed during lunch. "Is everything verything okay?"

"I'm fine," Lena said, pushing her food around on her plate.

"Is this about those two boys? Because I heard something interesting from my cousin yesterday."

Lena looked up. "What did you hear?"

"Apparently Aaron and Jaden have some kind of history with this. My cousin said back when Aaron was a senior, they used to make bets about girls. See who could get the prettiest ones to fall for them first."

Lena felt sick. "Bets?"

"It's probably just gossip," Maya said quickly, seeing her friend's face. "But Lena, even if it's not true, you can see how they both treat other girls. That should tell you everything you need to know."

That afternoon, Lena made her decision. She was in the library studying when both Aaron and Jaden approached her table - separately, but within minutes of each other.

Aaron came first. "Lena, I've been thinking. There's this art exhibit downtown this weekend. I thought maybe you'd like to go? It's educational," he added with a smile.

Before she could answer, Jaden appeared. "Hey beautiful. I was hoping I could steal you away for a few minutes. There's something I want to show you."

The two friends looked at each other, and Lena saw something pass between them - a look of understanding, maybe even amusement. Like they were both in on the same joke.

"Actually," Lena said, standing up and gathering her books, "I need to talk to both of you."

They followed her to a quiet corner of the library, both looking curious and confident.

"I know you're friends," she began, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "I know you talk about the girls you're... interested in. And I know this is all some kind of game to you."

Aaron's expression didn't change, but Jaden at least had the grace to look slightly uncomfortable.

"Lena, what are you talking about?" Aaron asked smoothly.

"I heard you in the parking lot talking about me like I'm some kind of challenge."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Jaden laughed - not meanly, but like he was impressed.

"You're smarter than we gave you credit for," he said.

"Jaden," Aaron warned quietly.

"What? She figured it out. There is no point pretending anymore." Jaden looked at Lena with what might have been respect. "So what now?"

Lena felt tears threatening, but she forced them back. She wouldn't let them see her cry.

"Now nothing," she said firmly. "I'm not interested in being anyone's game or challenge. I'm only thirteen years old, I have dreams and goals, and I don't have time for whatever this is."

She turned to walk away, but Aaron caught her arm gently.

"Lena, wait. Maybe it started as... friendly competition. But what I feel for you is real."

"So is what I feel," Jaden added quickly.

She looked between them - these two handsome, charming boys who had made her feel so special, so wanted. Part of her wanted to believe them. But her mother's words echoed in her mind: “When someone truly cares about you, they treat everyone with kindness, not just you.”

"If what you felt was real," she said quietly, "you wouldn't have made me a game in the first place. And you wouldn't be so cruel to other girls just to make me think I'm special."

With that, she walked away, leaving them both standing in the library.

For the next few weeks, both Aaron and Jaden tried to win her back. Aaron would linger after class, trying to start conversations. Jaden would appear at her locker with flowers or little gifts. But Lena stayed strong, polite but distant.

Gradually, they seemed to get the message. Aaron focused on other students, and Lena noticed him paying special attention to a senior girl named Michelle. Jaden was soon seen around school with different girls every week, back to his usual pattern.

Lena felt proud of herself for walking away, but she couldn't deny that part of her heart ached. Despite everything, she had cared about both of them. She had been falling in love, maybe for the first time.

But she was learning that love wasn't supposed to be a game. And she deserved better than boys who saw her as a prize to be won