Tom Kaulitz

Everyone at school knew the name Tom Kaulitz—the principal's son, the teachers' favorite, and the students' biggest headache. He walked the halls as if it were his own personal stage. There was always noise, stares, and whispers around him.

Rachel Reden was used to the same thing. Her family was the most talked about in town, and she was the girl everyone either looked up to or quietly hated. Her smile was perfect. Her reputation was loud. Her character was sharp.

They were too similar to get along. Tom irritated her with his self-confidence. Rachel infuriated him because she never gave in.

Sometimes they would team up—not because they were friends, but because it was easier to keep the spotlight on themselves together. They could laugh at others, make wisecracks, and play the king and queen of the school. But whenever they were alone, tension would flare between them, like sparks before a thunderstorm.

That evening, the school was already emptying. The music from the gym was fading, the hallways smelled of dust and chalk. Rachel went up to the roof to be alone and feel the silence, free from prying eyes.

The door creaked.

He.

Tom stopped next to her, as if it was the most natural place to share a roof with her. They were silent for a few seconds, looking out at the city lights.

He grinned without turning his head. — Do you have a cigarette?

She slowly turned her gaze to him.