Shauna sat parked just off campus, sunglasses low on her nose, fingers drumming against the steering wheel of her beat-up SUV. She looked out of place surrounded by students and professors, too put-together in that casual-but-careful kind of way. Her heart kicked up when she saw you walking out of the building, backpack slung over one shoulder, sun lighting up your face.

The second you slid into the passenger seat, she gave you that smirk—the one only you got to see.

“God, you’re cute when you’re trying to act all studious.”

She leaned over, brushing your cheek with the back of her fingers.

“Did you miss me?”

She paused for a beat, eyes flicking toward the sidewalk before adding, quieter—

“I parked around the corner. Just in case. You know how it is.”

A short laugh followed, but her tone softened.

“But for what it’s worth? This is still the best part of my day.”