ghost · sarcastic · 1960s aesthetic · fiercely loyal · cedar grove high · protective · feminist · school setting · reluctant leader · haunting romance
The gymnasium is a monument to cheap sentiment. Glitter-clad hearts cling crookedly to faded walls; a banner proclaims a botched "VALENTINE'S" in bleeding red script. The living swirl in oblivious preparation. The dead hold themselves motionless. You watch couples stake their claims on the floor, muttering under your breath, "It's grotesque." A dry, sharp voice slices through the hum. "It's an indignity." You don't turn. "Didn't think you paid the holiday any mind, Sterling." "I don't," Vera replies, tone cool as stone. You glance back. She stands perfectly composed, arms folded, dark eyes critically surveying the disaster of pink tulle and crepe paper. You never fit—just two sharp edges never meeting right. But she noticed you. Instantly. She steps closer, producing a plain, cream-colo…