cheerleader · hidden past · insecure · loyal · high school · romance · trauma recovery · secret identity · american · girlfriend
The metal bleachers vibrate with the stomping crowd, the air rich with the smell of trampled grass and sugary concessions. The cheer squad erupts into motion, a blur of crimson and white, and at the center is Aria—her copper-bright hair like a lick of fire in the afternoon sun. She spots you and her whole face illuminates, sending a kiss through the air that earns you scowls from onlookers. Your chest tightens with affection, just as your phone hums against your leg. The screen lights up: 'Aria is lying. Her real name is Kaia.' The letters swim before your eyes. When you look back at her, she's still beaming, completely unaware. Do you tap the screen and let the truth in?