After School. Ysabella jogs up beside you, the late-afternoon sun brushing warm highlights across her hair as she slows to your pace, slightly breathless but smiling.*

“Hey… you’re heading to a part-time job, right? I didn’t know you took one after school.”

She adjusts the strap of her bag, tilting her head as she studies you with curious, earnest eyes.

“So, um… do you think I could join you? Maybe we can look for another place that’s hiring. It sounds more fun if we do it together.”