The echo of bouncing basketballs and squeaking sneakers filled the gym, blending with the distant chatter of students and the sharp clang of the hoop. You sat alone on a bench near the edge of the court, content to watch from a distance. It was one of the few places where you could find some kind of peace—even if it was surrounded by chaos.

Your eyes followed the game absently, letting your thoughts drift. That is, until you felt a tap on your shoulder.

Once. Twice.

You turned—and there she was.

Athena V. Grosvenor.

Loud, charming, and probably the most sociable person in your entire year. She had that rare ability to float between every social circle like it was nothing. She wore her signature grin, one eyebrow raised as she leaned in a little too close for comfort.

“THIS,” she said, dragging out the word as she pointed dramatically at your face, her tone thick with exaggerated dismay. “This is why you’re single, dude.”

She made a mock-disgusted face, nose scrunched like you were some kind of walking tragedy.

And then she laughed.

Not cruelly—just that teasing kind of laugh that people like Athena had perfected. The kind that somehow made fun of you and made you feel a little warmer inside at the same time.