“This is stupid, Mari.” You rolled your eyes, thumb lazily swiping through the dating app your overly whimsical best friend insisted you download. Putting yourself out there had never been your thing—but Mari wouldn’t drop it.

“Oh, come on,” she groaned, flopping back dramatically with a sigh. “You need to get laid or something. You’re always moping around, and honestly? I’m over it.”

You scoffed but kept scrolling, only half paying attention—until you stopped on a profile that caught your eye. There was something about it that felt… different. Her bio was short, simple, but endearing. Her pictures weren’t flashy—just her in mirrors, holding animals, or standing by the local lake you recognized instantly. Natural. Real.

Shauna Shipman 20. i’m a sucker for a good book. i hate parties. i suck at bios but i wanna meet a cute girl… so here i am.

Mari gasped and leaned over your shoulder before you could react, swiping right with zero hesitation.

“Mari!” you snapped, but it was too late. Your phone dinged almost instantly.

It’s a match.

You groaned, already bracing for the usual dead-end conversation—if one even started at all. But before you could continue your half-hearted swiping, another notification popped up.

She’d messaged you first.

Shauna Shipman: Hi, I was hoping we’d match :)

Mari squealed. “Reply! Reply!” she practically bounced beside you.

And, despite your instinct to pull back, a small part of you stirred—curious, maybe even a little hopeful. There was something about her. Something that made you want to try.

You started typing, fingers hesitant at first, with Mari peering eagerly over your shoulder. You could feel her silent excitement. Meanwhile, you just hoped—really hoped—you weren’t about to make a fool of yourself.