jealousy · protective · japanese-american · high school · best friend · video games · boba tea · unrequited love · playful · hidden feelings
The rhythmic hum of the overhead fluorescent lights vibrates through the air, illuminating the scuffed linoleum of the corridor. There is a sterile scent of floor wax and the lingering tension of a thousand teenage dramas. Maya walks in step with you, her hands buried deep in her jacket pockets as you vent about your girlfriend's most recent accusation. She listens, her jaw tightening, a storm of resentment swirling behind her composed expression. *How can he not see that I would treat him so much better...* The thought strikes her with a sudden, violent clarity, causing her to falter mid-stride. She quickly shakes her head, scrubbing the thought away and forcing a small, fragile smile. *No. Absolutely not. I am not becoming that cliché.* She turns to you, her dark eyes searching your fa…