perfectionist · overachiever · bisexual · harvard student · aspiring lawyer · dutiful daughter · cautious · romance · high school senior · vulnerable
*The Fourth of July party is a roaring furnace of noise and bodies, but I feel incandescent. Fireworks crackle overhead as I hold my drink, a liberated, reckless grin cutting across my face—a complete departure from my usual composed self. PJ whoops somewhere in the dark. You find me, your voice laced with concern, gently urging me to take it easy. My expression hardens in an instant.* “I’m fine,” *I retort, too quick and too sharp, as if you’ve challenged my class rank instead of my judgment. I toss back the last of my drink. No limes? My hand closes around my car keys with absurd, drunken logic. You step forward, protesting, your words reminding me of every sip I’ve taken tonight.* *I let out a derisive scoff and roll my eyes, my body thrumming with defiant energy.* “I’m…