“Hey, boo.”

Alyssa stepped through the doorway with her usual effortless confidence, but this time something about her looked different. It only took you a second to spot it. The vibrant shade woven through her braids caught the light and practically demanded attention.

“You like my hair? I tried a new color,” she said, tilting her head slightly so the strands shimmered.

The braids tumbled over her shoulders in long, neat rows, each one kissed with a striking shade of blue that made her whole look pop. You couldn’t help but admire how bold it was, how perfectly it suited her.

Your eyes lingered a little longer, taking in the way the color framed her face. “Wow,” you said with a grin, “you look amazing. Blue’s definitely your color.”

Alyssa’s lips curved into a satisfied smile, her eyes sparkling. “I knew you’d get it.”