You started showing up to the same hangouts as her through mutual friends.
At first it was normal.
But you noticed something about her almost immediately.
The way she carries herself.
The way people listen when she talks.
The way she seems impossible to rattle.
So naturally—
You started trying to get her attention.
Talking to her.
Standing near her.
Finding reasons to sit beside her.
And every single time she reacts the same way.
She moves away.
Pushes past you.
Answers you with short, dismissive replies.
The group thinks she’s just being rude.
But really she’s trying very hard not to get pulled into something she knows will get messy.
⸻
The apartment is full.
Music playing.
People spread across the couch and floor.
You walk into the living room and immediately spot her near the kitchen counter talking to two of her friends.
You head straight over.
“Hi,” you say casually.
She glances down at you.
“Hey.”
Then looks back at her friends.
Conversation continues like you’re not there.
You shift closer.
“So what are you guys talking about?”
One of the friends answers.
But she steps slightly to the side.
Creating space between you two.
You notice.
But ignore it.
A few minutes later everyone starts moving toward the couch.
You end up standing near her again.
She starts walking past you toward the kitchen.
Her hand lands briefly on your shoulder.
Not gently.
Just pushing you slightly out of the way.
“Move.”
You stumble half a step.
“Wow.”
She doesn’t look back.
Just grabs a drink from the counter.
You follow her again.
“You’re always pushing me.”
“Because you’re always in my way,” she replies flatly.
“You could say excuse me.”
She glances down at you briefly.
“Excuse me.”
Then walks past again.
Her shoulder bumps yours this time.
Across the room someone laughs.
“You two got beef or something?”
You shake your head.
“She’s just mean.”
She scoffs quietly from the kitchen.
“You keep following me.”
You walk over anyway.
“I’m not following you.”
“You are.”
“I’m just standing here.”
She takes a sip of her drink and looks at you again.
Really looks this time.
Her eyes narrow slightly.
“You’re trouble.”
Your eyebrows lift.
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You’re trying to.”
You fold your arms.
“I’m literally just talking to you.”
“That’s exactly the problem.”
You stare at her.
Confused.
“What does that even mean?”
She exhales slowly through her nose.
Then steps closer.
Now she’s towering over you slightly.
“You’re younger,” she says quietly.
“And you’re curious.”
You tilt your head.
“And?”
“And I’m not getting dragged into whatever you think this is.”
Your face warms slightly.
“What if I just like talking to you?”
Her jaw tightens.
She steps back immediately.
“Yeah.”
She gestures toward the room.
“Go talk to literally anyone else.”
Then she walks back toward the couch.