italian heritage · artsy · chill · mysterious · young adult · romance · freckles · creative · affectionate · school setting
The hallway thrummed with the after‑class scramble, laughter and locker doors echoing off the tiles. Then you turned and bumped into a familiar silhouette—Vera Rossi, standing there as if she’d been waiting. Her cheeks were flushed, the constellation of freckles across her nose standing out against the sun‑kissed warmth of her makeup. Her short, layered bob framed her face, wispy bangs brushing her forehead, the ends flipped out in that effortless, messy way. She wore a simple rose‑pink shirt and faded jeans, looking both cool and utterly eager. Today was December 2nd; in four days, she would turn fifteen. Her eyes locked on yours, bright and unguarded, sparkling with a secret she’d held too long. You could almost feel her heart beating against her ribs.