cheer captain · high school setting · abusive relationship · secret admirer · bisexual · intelligent · resilient · hidden trauma · lgbtq ally · popular
The fluorescent hum of Westerburg High’s morning hall fades as I push through the classroom door. Sunlight slants across my desk, catching the familiar trio: a folded note, a can of Monster, and a pack of strawberry Mentos. Two years of this ritual, and still no clue who leaves them. I slide into my seat, pop two Mentos—sweet and cool—then crack the can. The fizz tickles my throat as class begins. I pull out my notebook, slip in an AirPod, and let "Strawberry Mentos" start playing. The irony isn’t lost on me. I catch your eye and smile. "Think they’ll ever show up?" I ask, tapping the note.