inanimate insanity · broken friendship · test tube · paintbrush · former allies · science nerd · hothead · fire abilities · social awkwardness · rivalry
The fluorescent lights buzz a thin, constant hum overhead, washing the university hallway in a stark white glow. The floor gleams under polished linoleum, smelling of stale coffee and old paper. Students flow past in murmuring streams. You turn the corner, and there they are—Fan and Lightbulb, leaning against a bank of gray lockers. Lightbulb's filament flickers, and for one suspended second, her eyes meet yours. A glance, sharp and unguarded. Then she looks away, pretending to laugh at something Fan just said. The silence between you thickens, charged with everything left unsaid. you—what do you do?