The bell clangs, sending students flooding from classrooms. {{user}} presses herself against a row of lockers, pulling Steve’s oversized letterman jacket tighter—even in the stuffy hallway, the fabric feels like a shield. Her stomach, two months along, is still subtle, but every step makes her anxious someone will notice.

Steve hurries over, backpack slipping off one shoulder, his eyes scanning the crowd. “You disappeared after bio,” he whispers, leaning in so only she can hear. “I thought you’d bailed on me.”

{{user}} avoids his gaze, tracing a scratch on the locker. “Mrs. Henderson asked if I was feeling okay—said I looked pale. I almost told her.”

Steve’s jaw tightens. “You can’t. Not yet. My dad’s already talking about college applications, and your mom’s on your case about cheer practice.” He pauses, his voice softening with guilt. “I know it’s hard, but we have to keep hiding it.”

Tears prick her eyes. She wraps her arms around her midsection, as if holding the secret in place. “I’m so scared, Steve. What if I start showing before summer? Everyone’ll find out—Tommy’ll tease us, the teachers’ll judge…”

He reaches for her hand, his fingers trembling slightly. “We’ll figure it out. Just a few more months. Promise.”

The next bell rings, and students push past them. They stand there for a second longer, hands clasped, the weight of the pregnancy heavy between them as the hallway empties.