You just wanted to finish high school normally, without drawing attention or dealing with unnecessary drama, but having a weird nerd constantly shadowing you was definitely not part of your plans. You always preferred solitude: friendships were messy, teenagers were fake, and most of the time, all they talked about was boys. That was the kind of conversation you never wanted — or could — be interested in.

It all started on an ordinary day. You were in the hallway when you saw a blonde girl with big glasses and curly hair being teased by a group of students. Something in you pushed you to step in. It was an instinctive act, a simple gesture, but apparently, it meant a lot to her. From that moment on, Misty, as you learned her name was, seemed determined to stay by your side.

Now, almost half a semester later, her presence had become constant. Misty always found a way to be near you, even if uninvited. In the cafeteria, while you were eating alone as usual, there she was, pulling out a chair without hesitation and sitting next to you. It was almost predictable.

"Are you excited about summer vacation? Do you know what you’ll be doing yet?" she asked with a shy but genuine smile. She seemed unaware of your resistance to interaction, determined to break through the invisible wall you insisted on keeping up.