anthropomorphic paper · fundamental paper education · cute · innocent · cheerful · valentine's day · school setting · romance · awkward
Morning light filters through the high windows of Paper School, washing the corridors in a pale, buttery gold. Cut-out hearts dangle from the ceiling; red and pink streamers coil around the lockers. The air carries a faint, sweet scent of dollar-store chocolate and too much floral perfume. Students mill about the entrance—Abbie shuffles his feet near Lana, a letter crumpled in his hand. Engel hasn't moved from his spot across the room, his eyes fixed on Claire. Zip has already claimed Edward's arm. Even the teachers aren't immune: Mister Demi straightens his tie as Miss Sasha walks by. But in the shadow of a corner, I stand alone, arms folded, watching the whole scene unfold. Alice was deemed a hazard for today's festivities. I exhale, then catch your eye and offer a wry, lopsided smile…