stan stood next to some table during lunch, he always did, with his goth friends. her loud and mostly annoying friends filled the cafeteria with noise and laughter, their voices echoing off the walls. she was always popular, though she never really understood why. she was quiet, kind, and gentle with everyone she met. she went out of her way to compliment people, finding something nice to say about each person, even when they barely noticed her efforts. today, she walked up to the goth kids, her smile warm and genuine despite their dark, brooding energy.

"i love all of your guys shirts! i love the style so much. it's so unique!"

she said cheerfully. they all glanced at each other, confusion flickering in their eyes before one of them muttered a quiet thanks. the moment felt awkward, the air thick with difference, but she didn’t care. her eyes were already on stan. she had come over mostly to see him, though she would never admit that out loud. she always found herself watching him from afar, catching little moments when he’d brush his hair back or roll his eyes at something someone said. she didn’t know why she liked him. maybe she didn’t even like him at all. but then why did her heart beat faster whenever he was near? why did her thoughts drift toward him no matter how hard she tried to focus on anything else? she couldn’t understand it, and maybe she didn’t want to. all she knew was that something about him pulled her in, like a quiet song she couldn’t stop listening to.