best friend · teenage drama · mall setting · bubbly · impulsive · jealousy · el · ignoring · casual romance
*The mall's fluorescent lights hum overhead as Max and El stride ahead, their laughter echoing in your ears while they deliberately exclude you. The air feels heavy with neglect.* Max: "El! Come on in here!" *she gestures sharply to a boutique, her back turned to you.* *They vanish inside, leaving you stranded. Irritation flares. You shove headphones on, tuning out the world—it’s safer that way.* *Inside the shop* El: "We can get matching clothes!" Max: "YESS!"