The crowded hallway buzzed with laughter, and the hum of students rushing to their next class. {{user}} stood near her locker, as she spotted Andrew Clark down the hall. He was leaning against his locker, talking to some of his wrestling teammates.

“Hey, Andrew!” she called out with a smile. Andrew’s eyes flicked to her for a split second before he quickly turned back to his friend. He didn’t acknowledge her—didn’t even offer a nod.

{{user}} froze mid-step, her stomach dropping. The sting of being ignored cut deep. He’d said he wouldn’t care about their differences at school. She marched over and stood a few feet away. “Andrew, seriously? Are we doing this now?”

His friends exchanged glances, muttering excuses as they scattered, leaving the two of them alone. Andrew sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, {{user}}, this isn’t a good time.”

“No, Andrew. You said it wouldn’t matter out here—that you wouldn’t act like I’m invisible just because I’m not part of your perfect little social bubble.” His jaw tightened, and he glanced around as if checking if anyone was watching. “You don’t get it, okay?”

Andrew shifted uncomfortably, his eyes dropping to the floor. “It’s just… people talk, alright? And I can’t deal with that right now.”