The school year had just begun at Monster High, and the excitement was palpable in the air. Howleen was busy fumbling through her locker, trying to gather her books for the day. Gigi and Twyla stood nearby, eagerly waiting for Howleen to join them.

"Are you almost done, Howleen?" Twyla inquired, her patience wearing thin.

"Just one more second," Howleen replied, her voice filled with determination.

Twyla chuckled, "It's been more than a second, Howleen."

Howleen grinned, "It's just an expression, Twyla."

Twyla sighed, "I know, but we're going to be late for class. It's starting soon."

Gigi chimed in, sharing her excitement, "I can't wait for art class!"

Howleen's face fell, "Oh rats! I wanted to catch up with Toralei before class starts."

As if on cue, Toralei strolled up to them with Purrsephone and Meowlody in tow.

"Howleen, Gigi, Twyla! You're in luck. I'm here," Toralei announced with a sly grin.

Howleen's eyes lit up, and she dashed over to Toralei, enveloping her in a warm hug.

"Hey, kitten," Toralei purred, reciprocating the hug with equal enthusiasm.

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of the day's classes. Howleen felt a sense of disappointment as she hugged Toralei, who seemed equally disheartened. "Oh, why?" Howleen said sadly, still holding onto Toralei.

"It's okay, kitten. We can all meet up again after class," Toralei reassured her.

"Toralei, are you ghouls going to class or are you ghouls skipping?" Howleen asked, knowing Toralei's tendency to skip classes.

"Yeah, this time we are," Toralei said with a hint of sadness.

"Oh, one day all 6 of us have to skip class!" Howleen exclaimed with excitement as she pulled out of the hug with Toralei.

"I don't know about that," Twyla said cautiously.

"Come on, Twyla," Howleen pleaded with one of her best ghoulfriends to join them.

"I have to agree with Twyla, Howleen," Gigi chimed in.

"Oh, come on, ghouls, it's just one day. It's not like she asked for the whole year," Toralei reasoned.

"Oh, fine," Gigi relented.

"Really, Gigi?" Twyla asked with a hint of disbelief.

"Yeah! I mean, they do have a point. It's just one day, not the whole year," Gigi explained.

"Yeah, see! Twyla, please come with us?" Howleen urged.

Twyla looked at Howleen, Gigi, Toralei, Purrsephone, and Meowlody, who all gave her the "come on" look. "I'm so gonna regret this," Twyla muttered.

"Yay!" Howleen cheered.

"Now, let's stop the talk and walk to class," Toralei suggested.

"Okay, bye, Toralei," Howleen said.

"Bye, kitten!" Toralei called out as she walked away with Purrsephone and Meowlody.

"Can we go to class now, please?" Twyla asked.

"Sure, Twyla," Howleen said, while Gigi chuckled.

Howleen, Gigi, and Twyla walked together, As they parted ways to head to their respective classes, they exchanged farewells, adding a touch of warmth to the morning's escapade.

One hour later, as the class ended, every ghoul and manster hurried to their lockers. Howleen, Gigi, and Twyla arranged to meet at their lockers, conveniently located next to each other.

"How was class, ghouls?" Gigi inquired.

"Fine, just boring," Howleen replied with a yawn.

"Mine was fine too!" Twyla added.

"Our class was equally boring," Toralei chimed in as she approached the group with Meowlody and Purrsephone.

"Hey, Toralei," Twyla greeted her.

"Hey!" Toralei responded.

"Hey, Toralei?" Howleen began, "Did you ever apologize to Gigi after making her grant all your wishes that one time?"

"Yeah, did you?" Twyla added.

"No, she didn't," Gigi confirmed, still somewhat upset.

"I know, but I will apologize now," Toralei promised.

"Oh, really?" Twyla questioned.

"Twyla, don't be rude," Howleen interjected.

"No, it's okay, kitten. I deserve it," Toralei acknowledged.

"Gigi, I'm so sorry for using you for your wishes. I know that you have told everyone that you only grant wishes to Howleen now unless it's small wishes. But I just want to say I'm sorry," Toralei said with a tinge of regret in her voice. She looked down, her eyes reflecting a mix of guilt and genuine remorse. Gigi listened quietly, her expression softening as she understood the sincerity in Toralei's words.

"It's okay Toralei," Gigi said with a reassuring smile, placing a comforting hand on Toralei's shoulder.

"I know you probably feel terrible about what happened, but really, it's okay," Gigi continued, her voice warm and understanding.

"Wait, really!?" Toralei asked, surprised by Gigi's response.

"Yeah, we're all friends now anyway, and friends learn to get over each other's mistakes," Gigi said, her eyes twinkling with sincerity.

Toralei's expression softened, and she nodded gratefully. "Oh, thanks, Gigi," she said, walking up to Gigi to give her a genuine hug.

"It's no problem," Gigi replied, returning the hug with a reassuring squeeze.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the break and the start of another class.

"Oh great, time for another boring class," Toralei sighed after pulling out of the hug with Gigi, earning a chuckle from the group.

After three more hours of class after class, finally, it was lunchtime.

Every ghoul and manster made their way to the creepteria to grab their food and find seats among friends.

Howleen, Gigi, Twyla, Toralei, Meowlody, and Purrsephone put their books away and headed to the creepteria for lunch together.

As they entered, Howleen turned around to address the group.

"You know what ghouls?" Howleen said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"What?" Gigi asked, intrigued by Howleen's sudden enthusiasm.

"We should all sit together this time," Howleen suggested, a wide grin spreading across her face.

"You know the moment Clawdeen sees me, Meowlody, and Purrsephone, she's going to get so mad, right?" Toralei pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I know, but I want to sit with all my best ghoulfriends," Howleen said, her voice filled with determination and warmth.

"Alright, kitten, just because you want to," Toralei said with a playful smirk, secretly pleased by Howleen's suggestion.

After getting their food, Clawdeen and her ghoulfriends strolled into the creepteria, collected their food, and settled down at the table where Howleen, Gigi, and Twyla typically congregate.

Following a brief exchange, they observed Toralei, Meowlody, and Purrsephone seated with Howleen, Gigi, and Twyla.

"Um, Clawdeen?" Draculaura queried, gesturing towards something she believed would pique Clawdeen's interest.

"What's up, Draculaura?" Clawdeen inquired, turning to face Draculaura.

"Take a look over there!" Draculaura directed, indicating towards Howleen's table.

All the ghouls turned to observe what Draculaura was referencing.

"Oh, my ghoul!" Cleo exclaimed.

"Toralei is sitting with Howleen," Lagoona remarked.

"What could she be up to?" Draculaura pondered.

Ghoulia emitted an uncertain groan.

"She's definitely plotting something. What do you think it could be?" Clawdeen questioned, growing increasingly agitated.

"We shouldn't rush to conclusions. Perhaps they're just friends?" Frankie suggested.

"Yeah, right. Howleen would never befriend Toralei after all she's done to us," Clawdeen asserted.

"Then why don't we go find out?" Cleo proposed, rising to her feet.

"Let's go, ghouls," Clawdeen urged, also standing.

The ghouls all rose to accompany Clawdeen.

It didn't take long before Clawdeen stormed up to their table, curious as to why Toralei was seated with Howleen.

"TORALEI!" Clawdeen bellowed, with her ghoulfriends trailing behind her.

"Here she comes," Toralei whispered to Howleen.

"I know, just play along," Howleen whispered back to Toralei.

"Howleen, why is SHE sitting with you!?" Clawdeen demanded.

"Relax, Clawdeen. It's not like I'm going to steal your sister from you," Toralei stated, rising to her feet.

"Oh, please. Like she would fang out with someone like you!" Clawdeen retorted, pointing at Toralei.

"Come on Clawdeen, we are making a scene," Frankie said, her voice filled with urgency as she glanced around the crowded room. The dim lighting cast dramatic shadows across the onlookers, their curious eyes fixated on the unfolding drama. A hush fell over the previously bustling space as nearly everyone turned to see what was going on, their expressions a mix of concern and intrigue. The air crackled with anticipation, and Frankie could feel the weight of all the eyes fixed on her and Clawdeen, amplifying the tension of the moment.

"Fine! But I'm watching you. Don't say anything or touch my sister, got it!?" Clawdeen asked with a firm look in her eyes.

"Yeah, I got it. Bye," Toralei said, waving "bye" to Clawdeen with a sly smirk on her face as Clawdeen and the other ghouls walked away.

Once they settled down, Toralei took her seat among her group.

"That was hilarious!" Howleen exclaimed, giggling as Toralei sat down.

"I know, right? That was absolutely priceless," Toralei said, unable to contain her grin.

After the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Toralei gathered Meowlody and Purrsephone to search for their friends Howleen, Gigi, and Twyla. The trio was supposed to meet up, but they were nowhere to be found. Determined to locate them, Toralei led the way to the front of the school, with Meowlody and Purrsephone eagerly following behind.

"We need to find Howleen, Gigi, and Twyla," Toralei declared, scanning the school entrance. However, the three friends were not there. "Let's check their lockers," she suggested, and the twins nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, as Howleen, Gigi, and Twyla stashed their books in their lockers, they made their way to the meeting spot. To their surprise, they encountered Gory and her ghoulfriends instead of Toralei, Meowlody, and Purrsephone.

"Oh, look, it's Howleen," exclaimed Gory as she pointed out the approaching ghoulish figure.

"Okay, they're not by their lockers... wait, stop!" Toralei said, swiftly putting her arm out to halt Meowlody and Purrsephone in their tracks. The two were startled and meowed in alarm. "Shh," Toralei whispered, holding her finger up to her mouth with her free arm as she signaled for them to be quiet.

"Oh, look, she brought her two ghoulfriends," remarked one of Gory's eerie companions.

"Why do you ghouls fang out with her anyway?" inquired another one of Gory's ghoulfriends.

Toralei's eyes widened in disbelief as she leaned in closer and whispered, "Oh no, they didn't just say that!"

Gigi explained, "We are doing it because we want to!"

Twyla crossed her arms and looked at them defiantly. "And why should we tell you anything?" she asked, her voice filled with skepticism.

"Alright, if you ghouls want to be losers, then go ahead and be losers," exclaimed one of Gory's ghoulfriends.

"But you ghouls will get out of the popular ghouls hallway," said another one of Gory's friends, who was a ghoul as well.

Twyla firmly stated, "I want to make it clear that we have no intention of leaving this hallway."

"I absolutely disagree with that statement," Gory firmly asserted.

"No, we're absolutely not leaving!" exclaimed Gigi emphatically, her voice filled with determination.

Howleen nervously glanced over her shoulder before speaking, "No ghouls. Come on, let's just go. It's not worth it," she said, turning around to walk out of the dimly lit hallway, the sound of her footsteps echoing against the walls.

"Ha! Look at her, we have got her all scared!" Gory exclaimed while laughing heartily.

One of Gory's ghoulfiends sneered, "Aw, go cry to your mommy!" before Howleen, her confidence unwavering, swiftly exited the hallway.

"Come on, let's go help Howleen," Toralei urged, her voice filled with determination. Without hesitation, the twins immediately nodded in agreement, their concern etched across their faces. With a sense of urgency, Toralei, followed closely by the twins, sprinted after Howleen, Twyla, and Gigi, determined to lend a helping hand.

"Did you see that ghouls? It looks like her ghoulfriends are about to chase after her!" exclaimed one of Gory's ghoulfriends.

As Gigi chased after Howleen, she reached out and called, "Howleen, wait!"

Joining in the pursuit, Twyla ran alongside Gigi, shouting, "Don't listen to them!"

Finally catching up with Howleen, Twyla asked with concern, "Are you okay, Howleen?"

Before Howleen could respond, Toralei chimed in, "Yeah, Meowlody, Purrsephone, and I saw everything!"

Attempting to express herself, Howleen began, "I'm okay, I just..."

Interrupting her, Gigi stated firmly, "No, you're not okay, Howleen."

Toralei, known for her perceptiveness, added, "I can tell when you're upset, kitten."

Suggesting a solution, Gigi asked, "Maybe we should stay with you to help you feel better?"

Eagerly joining in, Twyla began, "Yeah, we could..."

Before Twyla could finish, the werecat twins nodded in agreement, showing their support for Howleen.

"I appreciate that you ghouls want to stay with me, but you ghouls need to study for the test that's coming soon, and I don't want to keep you, ghouls, out that long. I'll be fine, just go. I'm going to stay outside the school for a little while, and then I'll go home. Please tell my sister and brother that I'll be home soon. I just need some time alone," Howleen said with a slightly trembling voice, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her face as she stood there, trying to put on a brave front for her friends.

Gigi paused for a moment and then said, "Oh okay..."

Twyla, expressing concern, added, "Sure, I guess, but be safe."

"Okay, take care kitten," Toralei said, as the werecat twins nodded in agreement.

"I will. Bye, ghouls, see you tomorrow," Howleen said with a smile as she prepared for them to leave.

"Okay, bye Howleen," Gigi responded as she walked away.

"See you tomorrow, Howleen," Twyla added.

"See you, kitten," Toralei said as she walked off with Purrsephone and Meowlody.

"Bye, ghouls!" Howleen called out as they departed.

Once Gigi, Twyla, Toralei, Meowlody, and Purrsephone had walked off, the schoolyard became quiet. Howleen, however, remained, feeling alone and despondent. Tears streamed down her face as she questioned, "Why? What did I ever do to Gory?"

An hour passed, and Howleen's tears began to dry. She decided to take a walk, hoping it would help her feel better. As she strolled, she unexpectedly encountered Valentine, with whom she had spoken a few times in the past. Memories flooded back, and she realized that she had developed a small crush on him. Seeing him again, she was hit with the realization that her feelings for him had not faded; instead, they had grown stronger, making her feel as if she had just been struck by Cupid's arrow.

The day Valentine and Howleen first met was February 14th at Draculaura's birthday party, which was filled with music, laughter, and dancing. Valentine, a charming and dashing young man, was walking around the party searching for Draculaura when he accidentally bumped into Howleen. "Oh, my bad, darling," he said as he extended his hand to help her up. "Oh no, you're fine," Howleen replied, also offering her hand to be assisted off the ground.

As Valentine was about to excuse himself, he paused and looked at Howleen. "Wait," he said, stopping her as she turned to leave. "What?" she asked, turning back to face him. "I, um, what's your name?" Valentine inquired. "Howleen," she replied. "Huh?" he responded. "My name is Howleen," she clarified. "Oh, what a beautiful name for someone who's just as beautiful," Valentine smoothly complimented, causing Howleen to blush. "Oh, thanks!" she said, smiling shyly.

Valentine then mustered up the courage to ask her, "Um, you know, maybe later save me a dance?" Howleen's face lit up with joy as she happily accepted his request, jumping on Valentine for a hug. "Oh, sorry," she quickly apologized, taking a step back. "No, you're fine, darling," Valentine reassured her with a warm smile.

Later that night, as the party continued, Valentine and Howleen met up to dance. "There you are. Um, sorry I didn't get your name," Howleen said as she approached Valentine. "Kieran Valentine," he introduced himself. "What?" she asked, slightly puzzled. "My name is Kieran Valentine," he repeated. "Oh, sorry, Kieran," Howleen said. "No, you're fine, and I like to go by Valentine," he explained. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Valentine," Howleen apologized. "You're fine, darling," Valentine reassured her, putting her at ease. "So, how about that dance?" she asked eagerly. "Oh, yeah!" Valentine replied with a smile, ready to share a special moment with Howleen on the dance floor.

After Draculaura's birthday party, when the day came for Valentine to leave, Toralei accompanied him. As they were about to depart, Howleen hurried over to catch up with them. "Hey Valentine, Toralei, wait up!" she called out as she ran towards them. Toralei and Valentine halted and turned around to see who was calling them. Howleen finally caught up to where Toralei and Valentine were standing.

Toralei gazed across the room and noticed Valentine's eyes lighting up with affection as he caught sight of Howleen. In that instant, she could sense the depth of his love for her. It was as if they were two puzzle pieces finally fitting together. A warm smile spread across Toralei's face as she realized that Howleen had finally found the love she had been yearning for, and it was evident in the way Valentine looked at her.

"He's all yours, kitten," Toralei said with a sly grin as she walked up to Howleen and playfully ruffled her vibrant orange hair. Howleen caught off guard, exclaimed, "Hey!" in mock protest.

As Toralei started to walk away, she called back, "See you later, kitten, and you too, Val! Don't fall too hard in love, you two!" Her teasing tone lingered in the air as she almost disappeared around the corner.

Turning around to face Toralei, Howleen blushed and called out her name, but Toralei merely flashed a mischievous smirk before continuing on her way, leaving Howleen and Valentine still feeling the effects of her playful teasing.

Howleen, still flustered, turned to Valentine and apologized, "Sorry about her."

Valentine reassured her, "No, it's fine."

In an attempt to shift the focus, Howleen asked, "Want me to finish walking you down the street?"

Valentine gladly accepted, "Yeah, sure, if you don't mind?"

"Of course, I don't," Howleen replied with a warm smile. Together, they turned and continued their stroll down the street, lost in conversation.

After that, they spoke now and again

On another day Howleen was in the maul with her sister and brother Clawd and Clawdeen they were looking for something for their class projects

"Hey um, Clawd? Clawdeen?" Howleen said

Clawdeen and Clawd turn around to face their little sister

"Yeah? what's up little sis?" Clawd asked

"Yeah, what's wrong?" Clawdeen asked

"Um nothing I just wanted to ask if I could go look at some stuff," Howleen said

"Oh okay when you are done come meet us at Coffin Bean," Clawdeen said

"Okay see you guys later," Howleen says as she turns around to run back to a store

"Be careful Howleen!" Clawd Yell at her

"I will!" Howleen Yell back

Howleen walked into the store "Ghoulace" and went to the shoes

She was looking at all the shoes but this one par had her attention

They are knee-high, sleek black lace-up boots with black strings. The gold gems at the top of the boots are arranged in a beautiful pattern that catches the light with every step. At the heels, there are two engraved bones in an x position on both sides of each shoe, adding a unique and edgy touch to the design. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the boots exude a sense of luxury and style.

"Wow, I need these!" Howleen said while taking one of the shoes and hugging it

"I was thinking about redoing my look for next year these differently need to be a part of my new outfit," Howleen said

She puts the shoe down and then thinks of the purrfect place to find an outfit "Ghoulbna!" then she runs out of the store and runs to "Ghoulbna" but she runs into someone

"Oh!" Howleen said as she hit the ground

Then the monster she hit turns around to face her

She noticed that he looked a little sad, so she made her way over to him. "Um, hey Val," she said, approaching him. "Oh, hey," he replied. "I don't know if you remember me, but-" she began, only to be interrupted by Valentine. "No, I do remember you. I can't forget a cute face like yours," he said. "Oh, that's great," she replied, feeling her cheeks flush. "So, what are you doing out at this time?" he asked. "I was feeling down about some school stuff, and I just wanted to walk it off," she explained. "Are you okay? What happened?" he inquired. "Just some bullying," she said sadly. "How can anyone bully someone as cute as you?" he asked. "Oh, Val, you're so sweet," she said. "Anyway, why are you out this late? What happened to you?" she asked. "I just want someone to love me," he confessed. Howleen looked at him in shock. "After what happened with Draculaura, I just don't know," he continued. "Well, if I'm honest, I just want someone to love me too," she admitted. "Oh, well, I guess we have that in common," he said. "Um, yeah," she replied nervously. "Anyway, do you want to maybe come to my place?" he asked. "Sure, it's better than being out here," she agreed. Valentine then led Howleen to his place. After about 15 minutes of walking and talking, they arrived. During that walk, they discovered they had a lot in common.

Howleen would say it was the best time of her life, but of course, she's had other "best time of her life" experiences. However, this particular experience takes the cake because she felt truly heard, seen, and listened to. It was a moment that made her feel valued and understood, creating a deep sense of connection and validation.

Valentine fumbled for his keys in his pocket, feeling the familiar weight of the metal against his fingertips. With a twist and a click, he unlocked the door to his apartment, holding it open to let Howleen enter first. "Thanks, Val," she said, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude and warmth as she stepped across the threshold.

Valentine followed her inside, closing the door behind them with a soft click. Howleen's eyes roamed the room, taking in the cozy surroundings. "Woah, this place is nice," she remarked, her gaze flitting from one corner to another.

Valentine's smile wavered slightly at her words. "It's nice, but it can get pretty lonely here by myself," he admitted, his voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. As he turned to face Howleen, he couldn't help but feel a pang of vulnerability.

Howleen's expression softened, her eyes reflecting genuine concern. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel that way," she said, her voice laced with sincerity.

Valentine shook his head, offering her a reassuring smile. "No, no, you're fine, Howleen," he reassured her. "It's just something I've been feeling lately."

They settled onto Valentine's bed, the air between them filled with a comfortable ease. They talked for what seemed like hours, the conversation flowing effortlessly as they shared stories and laughter.

"Um, Val, I have something to tell you," Howleen began, her voice hesitant yet determined.

Valentine turned to her, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Sure, what's up?" he encouraged, giving her his full attention.

"I...uh...I...um...I...kinda...maybe," Howleen stumbled over her words, her cheeks flushing with a mix of nerves and anticipation.

Valentine's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on her. "You can tell me, Howleen," he urged gently, his voice soft and understanding.

"I have a crush on you," Howleen finally confessed, her words hanging in the air, brimming with vulnerability and hope.

Author's note

Hello everyone, thank you so much for taking the time to read my first story. I'm excited to share it with you all. Your feedback means a lot to me, so feel free to share your thoughts and predictions for what might happen next in the story. I'm looking forward to reading your reviews and learning from your insights. Thank you for your support!