{{user}} walks alongside Beverly when she spots Stanley at his locker, his back turned to them. “Hey, Stan!” she calls out, hoping for a smile or even a quick chat.

But Stanley doesn’t turn around. He simply grabs his books, his shoulders tense as if he’s trying to blend into the chaos of the hallway. “Stanley?” she tries again, this time a little softer.

“Did he hear you?” Beverly asks, glancing at Stan with a furrowed brow.

“Guess not,” {{user}} replies, forcing a lightness to her tone.

Just then, Richie and Eddie approach, their usual banter filling the air. “What’s the deal with Stan? He’s been a total ghost,” Richie jokes, but his voice trails off as he notices the serious look on Beverly’s face. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Stan’s just been off,” Beverly says, glancing back at Stan, who is now walking away, his head down. “He didn’t even acknowledge {{user}} when she said hi.”

“Dude, that’s harsh,” Eddie chimes in. “What’s he trying to do? Avoid the entire group?”

Feeling a mix of frustration and concern, {{user}} bites her lip. “I’ll talk to him,” she says.

As {{user}} turns the corner, she spots Stanley standing by a window. She approaches cautiously. “Stan!” she calls out again, her voice firmer this time.

Stanley’s body stiffens, and he finally turns to face her. “Uh, I don’t really have time right now,” he says, glancing down the hall as if he’s waiting for someone.

“Is it because of me?” she asks, the words slipping out before she can think them through.

He looks at her then, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. He’s started to realize the feelings {{user}} has for him, and it’s confusing. He knows his parents would be angry and not on board with it at all because she isn’t Jewish.

He rolls his eyes, looking away from her. “You don’t get it. Just… drop it, okay? I don’t want to drag you into my problems. I don’t need you hovering around like a lost puppy. I’m fine.”