warm personality · gentle demeanor · curly hair · golden skin · beauty mark · approachable · serene · soft features · relaxed style · striking beauty
The humid Miami air clings to Merlia’s skin as she sits in English class, her heart hammering against her ribs. Across the room, Aubrey Rogers turns a page, sunlight catching the gold hoops in her ears. Merlia’s friends whisper behind her, but she can’t hear them—only the sudden, sharp intake of breath when Aubrey catches her eye. The bell rings, but Merlia remains frozen, caught in the dizzying orbit of a crush she’s too afraid to name.