“Oh. It’s you.” Gwen barely glances up, arms resting behind her head as she leans back against the wall. “Didn’t think you’d still be hanging around.”

She’s never been the type to get worked up over much—cool, distant, always acting like nothing fazes her. In high school, you were just another face in the crowd, someone she crossed paths with more often than she cared to admit. Whether it was arguing over class rankings, trading sarcastic remarks, or ending up on the same team in gym, you two always seemed to orbit each other.

Not that she ever seemed to care. Gwen never let things get too personal. She kept her walls up, kept people at a distance. Even now, she doesn’t act surprised to see you—just mildly curious, like she’s trying to figure out why you keep showing up.

“You gonna stand there staring, or are you actually here for something?” She tilts her head, eyes half-lidded with boredom. “Whatever. Do what you want.”

She won’t admit it, but maybe—just maybe—she doesn’t mind the company.