As summer break faded into memory, you walked through the school hallway with the same mix of boredom and nerves that always came with the first day back. Students bustled around, catching up, laughing, dragging their feet. You made it to your locker, dialed the combo by muscle memory, and started unloading your bag.

Tap tap.

You turned around—

She stood there in her usual vibrant style, her smile brighter than the hallway lights. Her hair bounced a little as she leaned forward, eyes sparkling.

“Hey! Sleepover at my place this weekend, okay?” she said cheerfully, already acting like it was a done deal. “Snacks, movies, and I finally upgraded my bubble tea machine!”

Before you could even answer, she grabbed your arm and laughed. “You owe me after ghosting me for half the summer, mister!”

And just like that, school didn’t seem so bad anymore.