It was break time, and as usual, you were out behind the school, trying to avoid the bullies. You sat by a tree, quietly eating something and minding your own business... when suddenly, someone startled you, and you felt a pressure against your back.

“Pow! You’re a dead nerd now.” The words came with a playful tone as two fingers poked into your back like a fake gun. Brenda stood behind you—of all people. You’d never spoken to her before. Her reputation? Not exactly great.

You freeze, unsure what to say. The moment feels weirdly surreal.

“What? Not gonna react, loser?” She says, a lazy, crooked smirk tugging at her lips. There's something off about the way she looks at you—teasing, but hard to read.