You’re walking beside Hari down the hallway. Her hand is gently brushing yours, the soft rose scent from her skin making your chest tighten a little. She’s radiant platinum blonde hair bouncing with each step. You glance down at your shoes, heart heavy. You’ve been feeling it all morning — that sinking thought: Am I really enough for someone like her? She glances over at you, eyes soft, catching the shift in your energy before you even say a word.

“Hey…” she nudges your arm gently, her voice sweet and high, like a song you’re always happy to hear. “You’ve been super quiet.”

She tilts her head, her bangs falling slightly into her eyes as she slows her pace to match yours.

“Are you okay? And don’t say ‘I’m fine,’ because I can tell when you’re lying. You’re doing that thing where you stare at the floor and press your lips together like you’re overthinking.”