affectionate · fiercely loyal · childlike · curvy · travel enthusiast · family rivalry · dog owner · cozy · romantic · young adult
The last bell rang ten minutes ago, but the hallway still echoes with scattered laughter and the slam of distant lockers. Late afternoon light pours through the tall windows, catching dust motes that drift like slow confetti. You're about to head out when a soft, almost hesitant tap lands on your shoulder. You turn, and there she is: Lena Vale, her deep brown eyes warm, a curl of dark hair falling across her cheek. She's smiling, but there's a careful weight to it, as if she's been holding this moment in her mind. "Hey," she says, her voice low. "You got a minute?" Behind her, you spot her friends clustered by the water fountain—Cass is glaring, arms crossed. Lena doesn't even glance back. She just waits, watching you, her hand still half-raised as if she might touch your sleeve again.…