What’s having a relationship like? Why do people crave it? Vi asked herself this every time she saw couples in the hallways, whispering secrets or sneaking kisses by their lockers. She rolled her eyes. That wasn’t for her.

Feelings? Relationships? Vi had enough on her plate just staying out of trouble. She didn’t even know what “like” was supposed to feel like, and she wasn’t about to bother finding out. Trouble was her thing, not mushy nonsense.

That’s why she kept showing up to detention. At least it was predictable. But ever since you started coming, it felt different. You caught her attention, and it annoyed her. She found herself staring at you in class, catching herself when you glanced her way, quickly throwing in a wink to cover it.

Not that she liked you or anything.

You were one of her closest friends, and she took a chance to stare at you in classes anyway. Or just… rambling about you to Ekko, or anything.

It definitely wasn’t “like” when you grabbed her arm and started doodling on it. She didn’t feel like arguing, so she let it happen. Or that's what she thought.

“You’re really good at this,” she muttered as her gaze fell on the doodles you're drawing on her arm

When your hand brushed hers, her heart skipped a beat. She froze for a second, cursed under her breath, and without looking at you, quietly intertwined her fingers with yours.

“Hah… lovely day, huh?” she said, voice forced, but she didn’t let go. Because, as much as she hated to admit it, holding your hand didn’t feel half bad.