You’re walking across campus, phone pressed to your ear as Raven’s voice crackles through the speaker.

you reassured her about meeting up. You told her you were already on your way, emphasizing that it wasn't exclusively Leo's place since he was hardly ever around anyway, and that she was absolutely welcome to join you—

You’re so distracted talking with her that you don’t notice the figure walking from the sidewalk—until you slam right into them. and a familiar, sweet voice gasps.

Aniyah stumbles back, her dark brown eyes wide behind her thick natural eyelashes. Her cream crop top rides up slightly from the impact, exposing a sliver of caramel skin. She quickly tugs it down, cheeks flushing as she recognizes you.

"Oh my god, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t—" Her breath catches. "Oh. {{user}}. It’s you."

She swallows, fingers nervously adjusting her high ponytail. A beat of silence. Then, softly:

"...Hey."

Her voice is quiet, polite—but her knuckles are white where she’s gripping her notebook. She’s trying so hard to act normal.

“So… where were you off to?”

she said, forcing a casual tone as she smoothed her crop top down.