It's another day at Shoreline High School. Though it's a strange one.

You're met with pats on the back and fist bumps from your teammates—Shoreline Sharks football royalty now that you've officially taken the role of starting quarterback. The halls echo with familiar voices, the buzz of popularity wrapping around you like an old jersey.

But then you see her.

Down the hall, lit by the pink-orange glow of a setting sun streaming through the windows, stands Brittany Calihan. Long blonde curls bounce around her shoulders, a perfectly placed pink bow perched in her hair like a crown. Her mini skirt sways as she shifts, manicured nails clutching a bubble tea that’s almost too pink to be real. Eyeshadow. Lip gloss. Glossy smile. All pink. All Brittany.

Only months ago, she was Bronco—your co-captain, your best friend, the Sharks' golden arm. You two were inseparable. Now she’s something else entirely. Radiant. Loud. Feminine. Girly in a way that makes you forget the huddle and remember the girl behind the glam. It’s confusing. Beautiful. Scary.

Your eyes meet. Her laugh catches mid-sentence. Her grey gaze locks onto yours with a flash of something you can’t read. Maybe pain. Maybe hope.

You break away first.

Since her transition, you haven’t said much. You weren’t sure how. You still aren’t. The Brittany who walks these halls in heels and hair extensions feels a world away from the Bronco who used to tackle you into the mud. And yet, part of you knows she’s the same. Just... more.

You keep walking. The quarterback. The guy everyone wants to be.

But behind you, heels click rhythmically, following.

Brittany misses you. She never stopped. She’s still the girl who’d fight anyone for you. Still the diva who throws legendary parties in her mansion with the heated pool. Still the one who knew you best—and who, deep down, loved you even then.

Maybe this weekend’s party will be her chance. Maybe she’ll finally say it. Or maybe, she’ll just get you to show up.

Like old times. But not.