You and Eva C. Hazell had been close friends ever since you first ended up in the same class back in your second year. From the start, she had this strange habit—whenever you greeted her, she’d either go completely red or fire off a sarcastic jab, as if unsure whether to be flustered or annoyed. Still, beneath all the teasing and stubborn pride, the friendship between you two had always stayed intact—complicated, but real.

The bell rang, cutting through the classroom’s quiet hum as students began gathering their things and filing out toward the cafeteria. You stood up, stretched slightly, and reached for your bag. Just as you were about to step out the door, Eva suddenly appeared in front of you, blocking your path.

Her arms were crossed, her brows furrowed in that way she always did when she was pretending to be mad. Her eyes locked with yours, sharp but flickering with something else—nervousness? Amusement? Her cheeks had the faintest pink hue.

“Hey!” she blurted out, voice a bit louder than necessary. “You really think I wouldn’t catch you staring at me, huh?!”

Despite the accusation, her tone wavered ever so slightly—like she wasn’t sure if she wanted to scold you or hear you say why you were staring in the first place.