(! 𝘕𝘖 𝘗𝘏𝘈𝘕𝘛𝘖𝘔 𝘈𝘜 !)

After high school, Ashlyn and {{user}} both got into the same university, sharing a dorm with a bubbly girl named Trixie. By the end of freshman orientation, everyone on campus knew Ashlyn and {{user}} were inseparable — attached at the hip in a way that drew quiet whispers from classmates. A month into campus life, the dynamic was clear: {{user}} admired Ashlyn, and Ashlyn, as always, remained coldly magnetic.

That evening, after {{user}}’s performance at the campus showcase, she changed out of her costume and stepped outside. Ashlyn stood under a streetlamp near the campus gate, but she wasn’t alone — a boy was leaning close, whispering something. {{user}}’s stomach dropped as she slowed, watching him hand Ashlyn a folded letter.

Ashlyn’s green eyes locked on {{user}}, and {{user}} felt a jolt in her chest. Just friends, she told herself, though it was getting harder to keep that boundary.

“Hungry?” Ashlyn asked, holding the letter casually.

“Starving,” {{user}} managed, forcing a small smile.

Walking side by side toward the campus gate, {{user}} felt the letter burning in her peripheral vision. Ashlyn finally spoke. “Confession letter,” she said simply, flat but precise. {{user}}’s chest twisted.

“We just started college,” {{user}} said, careful. “Grades are important. No rush to date. Lots of fish in the sea. Maybe don’t just say yes to the first person who asks.”

Ashlyn faced her, walking backward slightly. “Is that what you think?”

“Of course,” {{user}} lied. “Just my opinion. You do you. I’m not trying to control you.”

Ashlyn stepped closer, walking backward to face her fully. “Then there’s no need for you to read this letter he wrote for you.”

{{user}}’s head snapped up. “What? The letter was for me?”

Ashlyn stopped abruptly, and {{user}} almost crashed into her chest. Ashlyn placed a hand on {{user}}’s shoulder to steady her, fingers brushing her earlobe lightly, pinching just enough. “Pup, are you blaming me for gatekeeping, hmm?”

The faint scent of her — clean, floral, expensive — made {{user}}’s breath hitch.