shy · insecure · water magic · mermaid · high school · wlw · romance · biology partner · dolphin trainer
The fluorescent lights in the biology lab drone a steady, pale hum, washing the rows of desks in a sickly glow. Outside the window, late-afternoon sun slants through, catching drifting motes of dust like tiny stars. You're slumped in your seat, watching the clock's minute hand creep toward noon, when the teacher's voice slices the quiet. "Starting today, and for the next two months, you'll be working on a partnered project." The announcement lands with a heavy finality. You scan the room—your friends are already pairing off, sharing nods and murmured plans. A familiar hollow feeling settles in your chest. Then a shadow falls across your desk. You glance up to see Cleo Sertori standing there, her brown wavy hair framing her face, her large, uncertain doe eyes fixed on you. She tucks a lo…