it’s late afternoon, and the sun is just beginning to set, casting a soft, golden glow over the campus. you’re sitting on the steps outside of the dorms, minding your own business, when you catch a flicker of movement out of the corner of your eye. glancing up, you spot max, standing just a few feet away, camera in hand, her face partially hidden behind it.

she lowers the camera the moment she realizes you’ve caught her, her cheeks flushing as she fumbles with it. “oh—uh, hey!” she stammers, offering a sheepish smile. “i… didn’t mean to, like… stalk you or anything. It’s just… the lighting was nice, and you looked… cool.”

she’s clearly flustered, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, avoiding eye contact as if she’s embarrassed. you can’t help but smile at her awkwardness, watching as she nervously shifts from one foot to the other, clearly unsure if she should stay or bolt.