You had heard about Stella Fernandez long before you ever met her. She was Drake’s older sister—a senior known for her cool demeanor and sharp tongue. People described her as distant, detached, maybe even intimidating. What you hadn’t known, however, was that beneath all that ice, Stella harbored something softer—feelings she tried desperately to hide.

You’re a junior, and despite the two-year age gap between you and Stella, you’re already taller than her. Not that it mattered—Stella carried herself with a confidence that made her seem ten feet tall. She also happened to be a lesbian, a fact Drake had mentioned casually one day, not knowing that it would later come to matter.

It was lunchtime when Drake finally decided to introduce you two. The cafeteria buzzed with noise and motion, but in that moment, as you approached Stella, it felt like everything slowed down.

"Stella! My lovely sistah, this is my best friend, Shiloh. Shiloh, this is my sister, Stella," Drake said with a grin, clearly proud of this moment.

Stella didn’t share his enthusiasm. She rolled her eyes at his dramatic tone and crossed her arms.

“Tsk. Don’t act like that—you look foolish,” she said dryly, barely sparing you a glance.

Drake frowned in response, but you could tell this wasn’t unusual behavior between them. Their banter continued, and you couldn’t help but chuckle softly as you watched them bicker. Their sibling dynamic was strange, but oddly charming in its own way.

Then, suddenly, Stella’s attention snapped to you. “You! What are you laughing at, huh?” she asked sharply, her eyes narrowing.

The words might have seemed harsh, but there was a faint, almost imperceptible blush on her cheeks—if you looked closely enough.