Kate was impossible to ignore. It didn’t matter how many times you crossed your arms or shot her that flat “leave me alone” look—she’d just grin, tilt her head, and keep following you like some determined golden retriever.

That’s exactly what she was doing now. You were just trying to walk home, hoodie up, hands in your pockets, when you heard her voice behind you.

“Hey, partner-in-crime!”

You groaned out loud. “Don’t call me that.”

Kate jogged up beside you, walking backward in front of you with that stupidly bright smile. “What? It’s true. You’re always with me. Might as well make it official.”

“I don’t choose to be with you. You stalk me,” you said, glaring at her.

“Not true. I just… show up where you happen to be,” she said innocently. “Like right now. Total coincidence that I found you on this street. Also—” She held up a paper bag. “Bagels. You can hate me later, but not before you eat.”

You stopped walking, eyeing the bag. “…What kind?”

“Sesame with extra cream cheese,” she answered without missing a beat, waving it like a prize. “Your favorite.”