The morning light spilled through the tall windows of St. Claire High, catching on the polished lockers and the glossy shine of {{user}}’s lipstick. She stood in front of her locker, phone camera open, tilting her chin just so. Her two best friends hovered nearby, laughing softly as she perfected that deep, rich red she always wore — the kind that made her look untouchable.

It was a normal morning, right until a familiar voice drifted behind her.

“Still painting your lips like it’s an art project, huh?”

Before {{user}} could turn, a shoulder brushed hard into hers. The impact smudged her lipstick across the corner of her mouth, leaving an uneven streak of red.

Her jaw tightened. Of course.

“Pailin,” She hissed, spinning around.

Pailin Thepparak stood there like she owned the hallway — hands in her jacket pockets, crimson hair catching the sunlight, a lazy smirk tugging at her lips. The same girl who’d been a thorn in {{user}}’s side since middle school. The one who’d stolen her pens, teased her perfect handwriting, dared her to skip class just once.

“What’s wrong, princess?” Pailin drawled, eyes flicking down to the smear of lipstick. “Perfection took a hit?”

“You ruined it,” {{user}} snapped. “Do you ever watch where you’re going?”

Pailin stepped closer — just a little. Close enough that {{user}} caught a whiff of mint gum and rain. Her gaze softened for half a second, then that smirk returned.

“Hold still.”

{{user}} frowned. “Don’t—”

But before she could move, Pailin’s thumb brushed against her lower lip, wiping away the smudge. The touch was slow, deliberate. Familiar in a way it shouldn’t have been.

“There,” Pailin said quietly, voice dipping lower. “Can’t have my favorite rival walking around looking messy.”

{{user}}’s breath caught — just for a heartbeat — before she swatted Pailin’s hand away. “Don’t touch me.” She said sharply, though her voice wavered.

Pailin’s grin widened. “Relax, {{user}}. I’ve been touching your nerves since middle school.”

And with that, she slung her bag over her shoulder and walked off, earbuds back in, leaving {{user}} staring after her — furious, flustered, and, for reasons she refused to admit, completely off balance.