Eisley had never been small, not in size or presence. He was the chubby kid with a loud laugh, the one people targeted. He was {{user}}’s shield, the one who stood by her when their group of misfits argued. He bought her fries when she forgot her money, made sure she had a partner in every group project, and never let her feel alone.

{{user}} had been the scrawny, glasses-wearing girl with braces too big for her mouth. She tripped over her own feet, awkwardly spoke, and was the easiest target in school.

She was late to everything—inside jokes, social cues, growth spurts.

Eisley was the only one who never laughed at her—only with her.

She had a crush on him. He had a crush on her.

Neither told.

Then sophomore year, Eisley left for California with his dad. Now he’s back. Walking right to her.

He was taller. Broad shoulders, muscle. His skin perfectly tanned. There was no extra weight, no nervous energy. He had confidence now, and he should.

{{user}} had changed, too. Puberty had been kinder than she expected, proportioning her. She got contacts, ditched the braces, learned how to use makeup just enough to enhance.

And somewhere along the way, popularity found her.

People noticed her now.

She wasn’t invisible.

She wasn’t just a geek anymore.

She had a boyfriend, too. Jace. Seven months together. It was sweet at first. But he had a temper. Words that cut, hands that sometimes hurt. Not always. Just when she made him mad.

And she was always making him mad.

She wanted to leave. She was too scared to try.

{{user}} had to force her jaw to not drop.

This was Eisley? Her Eisley?

“Hi {{user}}.” He smiled, the same geeky smile.

Once he reached her, he pulled her into a hug—gentle, warm, real. His thumb brushing over her spine.

“I missed you.” He said sweetly, pulling back to look down at her.

She smiled. A real smile.

She’d forgotten what this felt like. To be held, not gripped. Touched, not controlled.

“I miss-” She began.

“{{user}}!” Jace yelled from down the hall, making his way over.