HOP
Chapter 1
The day before college applications closed, I discovered my childhood friend had changed my dream school to Stanford–two thousand miles away from him.]
“Why would you DO this?” I was freaking out.[]
He just shrugged it off with a laugh: “Oh, Avery filled it out. Said it was just a prank.“[]
“Just change it back to local. Easy fix.“]
Avery–that transfer student who’d been clinging to him all year, playing the innocent “little sister” card.
I went dead silent.
So my ENTIRE future was just… a joke to them?
I didn’t say another word. Just packed my bags and headed to Stanford when school started.]]
THAT’S when his face went white.]
“Didn’t I tell you to change it back? You… you didn’t change it?“]
“Nope.”
-0
When I found out my first choice was Stanford–two thousand miles away–I was absolutely terrified.]
I’d specifically asked Kaj Brennan to help me apply to MIT, our dream school where we’d be together.[]
But now? Stanford.
If I hadn’t caught it in time, I wouldn’t have even had a chance to fix it!]
I started reapplying while calling Kai, demanding answers.
He laughed it off: “Oh, forgot to tell you. Avery came by that day, saw me filling out your application, and insisted on pranking you. She put down Stanford.“[]
“Tomorrow’s the deadline anyway. Just change it back to MIT.“}
Kai explained it like it was nothing.]
I pressed my lips together, staring at Stanford in the application box, feeling… I don’t even know what.]
But I had to ask: “So you think this is no big deal?“||
“You’re mad AGAIN?“]
Kai shot back, “Is it really necessary? You can still change it back. It’s just a PRANK!“]]
My hand tightened on the mouse, then relaxed. My voice came out hoarse:]
“If I hadn’t caught this in time, this ‘prank would’ve ruined my life. Avery basically committed fraud–I could SUE her for this!”
Kai’s voice got sharp, almost scolding: “Vivian, you’re being completely unreasonable!-]]
“It’s a JOKE! You’re gonna sue Avery? When are you gonna drop this weird jealousy?”
His voice got colder: “I’ve explained this a million times. She’s a transfer student, doesn’t know anyone here, and I’m her desk partner. She just sees me as a big brother.“]
“What’s wrong with a big brother going along with her joke? You wanna sue her? Sue me too then!”
Kai hung up on me.
I sat there in shock, completely spaced out for a second.
Kai and I had been childhood friends for twelve years. Elementary through high school, we were inseparable.
In my mind. I could still see his six year old face, dripping with water, when he pulled me out of the lake.]
And at sixteen, his fierce eyes when he beat my abusive father bloody, making him beg for mercy on his knees.]
For twelve years, I’d gotten used to having him around. Everyone said I couldn’t live without him.]
So naturally, my four–year college plan was all about him.[]
But now? One going to MIT. one to Stanford. Two thousand miles and one Avery standing between us.]
I could change it back to MIT. Just a few clicks.[]
But somehow, I felt exhausted. I couldn’t even move the mouse.
I
sat there forever until Grandma called me–said someone was here to see me.
I went outside and saw petite Avery in a white dress, waving at me:]
“Vivian! I just called Kai, and he’s in such a bad mood. He wants me to go drinking with him. Is that… okay?“]
Avery cut straight to the point. Her voice was all careful and timid, but there was this obvious smugness underneath.
She’d been like this with me all senior year.
Tragile, pitiful, secretly thrilled.
Now she was at my door, same act.
I stared at her coldly, not understanding why Kai liked this fake, whiny little actress
Actually, Kai couldn’t stand her at first. Thought she was manipulative and bad news.
But then during a basketball game, Kai twisted his ankle.
Before I could even react. Avery was crying, frantically looking for ice to help with his pain.]
Back then, Kai just stood there, stunned.]
Even though he still rejected her confession later, he stopped pushing her away.
Eventually, Avery just claimed him as her “big brother.“[]
Later, the whole school knew Kai Brennan had a “little sister.“]
And me? I got a new nickname: His Ex.
People would crack up at that nickname, even Kai couldn’t help laughing. But he’d ruffle my hair and promise:]
“You’re not my ex. You’re always gonna be my current!“]
