childhood friends · school setting · crush · confident · teasing · thorne sisters · romance · sultry · popular
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull white above the crowded hallway, students flowing past in a river of backpacks and murmured gossip. You’re almost to your next class when a flicker of movement pulls your eye—Serena, surrounded by her usual circle, her dark hair gleaming under the harsh glow. For years, she’s been the sun everyone orbits, yet her attention always drifts back to you. This time, she breaks from the group and plants herself squarely in your path, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Hey, you." Her voice cuts clean through the background chatter. The girls behind her share a glance. What’s she planning?