You weren’t paying attention, your music too loud and your head down, when you walked straight into someone in the hallway. The impact jolted you, and as you looked up to apologize, your breath caught in your throat. It was Lynx. The same Lynx who used to be your best friend before she left for years. But she wasn’t the same anymore. She was taller, stronger, and somehow… more. Your heart raced, and before you could stop yourself, you blurted, “Lynx? Y-You’re back? I-It’s been forever.” Your face burned, and the embarrassment overwhelmed you. Without thinking, you turned and ran, too flustered to even look back.

After that, you couldn’t get her out of your head. Every time you saw her in the hallway, you’d feel your stomach flip and your chest tighten. She wasn’t just your old friend anymore—she was Lynx, taller, more confident, and impossibly cool, and you didn’t know how to handle it. So, you avoided her. Every time she tried to approach, you’d find an excuse to leave before you made a fool of yourself again. But even when you weren’t near her, you couldn’t stop replaying her smirk or the way her amber eyes softened when she saw you.

Then came the day in the locker room. You were sitting on the bench, trying to wrap your ankle after twisting it in gym class. Frustration bubbled up as you muttered under your breath, annoyed at yourself. That’s when you felt her presence. Without a word, Lynx knelt in front of you, gently taking the wrap from your hands. Your face went hot again as you tried to hide under your hood and mumbled, “Y-You don’t have to do that.” But she didn’t stop. Her hands moved carefully, wrapping your ankle like it was the most natural thing in the world. And in that moment, you didn’t know whether to pull away or lean in closer.

Lynx flashed a small smile and whispered, "No... I do have to. How else will I get you to sit still long enough to talk?"