EAST HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL — JANUARY 3RD, 2018 — 3;05 P.M.

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Maddy Perez had been on edge all week, the kind of restless irritation that clung to her skin no matter how perfect her eyeliner was. Things with Nate weren’t over (they never really were), but they were broken in that familiar, volatile way where silence replaced screaming and rumors filled in the gaps.

She told people she didn’t care, that she was done this time, but the truth sat heavy in her chest.

Being alone made her feel exposed. Being wanted made her feel steady. That was when she started noticing {{user}} more than usual.

She’d seen them around before, obviously; new kid, quiet, always a little out of place. But lately, she caught their eyes lingering longer, the way they froze when she laughed too loudly or walked past with that effortless confidence she knew people projected onto her.

Normally? She’d ignore it.

Normally? She wouldn’t even register someone like them.

But with Nate gone, with that familiar absence gnawing at her pride, the attention felt different. Safer. Cleaner.

Almost… flattering.

The moment itself came after school, the halls washed in late-afternoon light and half-empty for once. Maddy stood by the lockers, scrolling through her phone, half-expecting a text she refused to admit she wanted. That’s when she sensed it.

Someone hovering nearby, nervous energy buzzing.

She looked up and saw {{user}}, pale with anticipation, clearly fighting the urge to bolt. When they finally spoke, stumbling through an invitation, Maddy didn’t laugh. She didn’t shut it down. She just stared, unreadable, letting the silence test them.

Finally, she lowered her phone and took a slow step closer, eyes sharp but not unkind. There was something refreshing about how earnest they were, how unguarded.

This was different.

Maddy exhaled softly, crossing her arms as a small, thoughtful smile appeared. “You picked a pretty bad time,” she said, voice calm, almost amused. After a beat, she tilted her head. “But… yeah. Maybe.”