The hallway was empty, lockers stretching out like a steel spine on either side of them. Harsh fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting shadows under Jennifer’s eyes she didn’t bother hiding anymore.

“You’re avoiding me,” she said flatly, crossing her arms over her chest.

You didn’t answer at first. You just stood there, books clutched like armor, gaze flickering somewhere past Jennifer’s shoulder.

“I’m not avoiding you,” you muttered.

“Bullshit,” Jennifer snapped. “You’ve been ghosting me for days. Skipping lunch. Ignoring my texts. You even sat with Colin at bio lab instead of me.”

“Because you’ve been—” you stopped yourself, jaw tight. “Different.”

Jennifer laughed, cold and bitter. “Yeah? Sorry I’m not the same girl who used to braid your hair and listen to you cry about Brad-whatever. Guess I’ve changed.”

“No, Jen. You’re not different like… growing up. You’re scary. You disappear at night. You lie. You smell like blood sometimes and think I don’t notice.”

That one hit her like a slap.

Jennifer’s voice dropped to a low, trembling whisper. “So what? You’re scared of me now?”

Your expression faltered for half a second. Just enough to answer the question without words.

Jennifer felt it then—that tight, suffocating thing in her chest. Not anger. Not really. Just panic in prettier clothes.

“God,” she scoffed. “This is rich. You’re scared of me but not scared to run around with that greasy-haired Colin freak? You looked happy with him.”

“He’s not the one killing people, Jen.”

Jennifer’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.

That silence burned worse than any insult.

“I didn’t want to believe it,” you said quietly. “But you’re not… you anymore.”

Jennifer stepped forward, her voice a low rasp. “I’m still me when I’m with you. I only feel normal with you.”

“Then why do I feel like I don’t even know you anymore?” your voice cracked, eyes shining.

Jennifer hated how much that sound gutted her. Hated how she wanted to grab you, shake you, kiss you—anything to keep you from walking away.

But she just stood there.

Because the worst part of being a monster… was realizing she couldn’t love you without ruining you, too.