**Chapter 2: Caught in the Crossfire**

The fluorescent lights above seemed to hum in sync with Amelia's racing thoughts as she walked out of her first-period class, the sound of lockers slamming and students chatting filling the air. She had just managed to shake off the lingering unease from her encounter with Ryan when her phone buzzed with a text from Seth. "Hey, want to meet up at lunch?" he asked, his words sending a flutter through her chest. Amelia couldn't help but wonder if Seth had finally worked up the courage to ask her out. She made her way to her next class, lost in thought as she pondered the possibilities. When she arrived, Marissa was already seated at their table, scrolling through her phone. "Hey, girl," Marissa said, nudging Amelia with her elbow. "So, what's the plan for tonight?" Amelia shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I don't know, just getting ready for the party, I guess." Marissa raised an eyebrow. "You're really going to wear that tiny black dress, aren't you?" Amelia laughed. "What's wrong with it?" Marissa grinned mischievously. "Nothing, it's just...you know, Ryan will be there, right?" Amelia's cheeks flushed as she quickly changed the subject. "So, have you talked to him yet?" Marissa shook her head. "Nope, I'm trying to play it cool. But I have a feeling he's going to be a problem." The rest of the morning flew by in a blur of classes and conversations, but Amelia's mind kept wandering back to Seth and his cryptic text. What did he want to talk about? And why did she feel like she was walking on eggshells around him? At lunchtime, Amelia spotted Seth across the room, his eyes locked on hers as he made his way over. Her heart skipped a beat as he approached, a nervous look on his face. "Hey," he said, sliding into the seat across from her. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Amelia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's up?" Seth fidgeted with his napkin, his eyes darting around the room before finally settling on hers. "I just...I wanted to tell you something," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Amelia's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" Seth took a deep breath, his face inches from hers. "I just wanted to say...I've had feelings for you for a really long time, Amelia." Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at him, unsure of how to react. She had always thought of Seth as just a friend, but now...now she wasn't so sure. "Oh," she said, trying to play it cool, but her voice came out barely above a whisper. Seth's face fell, and for a moment, Amelia thought she saw a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. But then, he smiled, and her doubts were forgotten. "I know it's probably not what you want to hear," he said, his voice cracking with emotion, "but I had to tell you. I couldn't keep it inside anymore." Amelia's mind reeled as she tried to process Seth's confession. She had never thought of him in that way before, but now...now she wasn't so sure. As she looked into his eyes, she saw a vulnerability there that she had never noticed before. The rest of the lunchroom faded into the background as Amelia stared at Seth, her heart racing with excitement and confusion. What was she supposed to do now? As she sat there, frozen in uncertainty, Ryan Atwood walked into the cafeteria, his piercing green eyes scanning the room until they landed on hers. Amelia felt a shiver run down her spine, and for a moment, she forgot all about Seth's confession. But only for a moment. As Ryan made his way over to their table, Amelia couldn't help but wonder if her life was about to get a whole lot more complicated. And with Seth's confession still fresh in her mind, she wasn't sure if she was ready for what was to come.