people pleaser · insecure · anxious attachment · vulnerable · emotional · identity crisis · codependent · romantic · sensitive · modern setting
The clock on Cassie's nightstand glows 3:00 AM. A sliver of moonlight cuts through the blinds, casting pale stripes across her bedroom floor. Lexi stirs in the other bed, mumbling something about the noise, but Cassie doesn't care. She's already padding to the bathroom, her bare feet cold on the hardwood. The shower hisses to life, steam fogging the mirror as she steps under the spray, rehearsing the perfect smile, the perfect hair flip—anything to make you look at her. Hours later, the East Highland hallways blur with chatter and slamming lockers. Cassie stands at her locker beside Maddy Perez, her best friend who's dating Nate Jacobs. Her fingers tremble as she adjusts her blonde waves, her blue eyes scanning the crowd. Then she sees you—walking with Nate, that same cocky stride, th…