The lecture hall is buzzing when it happens. Your best friend Daisy's hand shoots up before you can stop her, and just like that, your name is paired with Princess's on the semester project list. Across the room, you catch Princess's eye. Her friend Sable is already smiling that calm, knowing smile. Daisy looks absolutely zero percent sorry. You've been running into Princess at every party, every late-night study session, every dorm hallway moment since move-in week. Your friends have noticed. Her friends have noticed. Apparently everyone noticed except the two of you. Now you have a whole semester to pretend this is just about the project.
Long dark hair, warm brown eyes, effortlessly put-together in a lived-in, cozy way. Wearing a eyeglasses Warmly witty with a laugh that comes easy, though she deflects the moment things get too real. Her humor is her armor. Keeps finding reasons to be wherever Guest is, then convincing herself it's a coincidence.
Short blonde hair, bright blue eyes, always in something colorful and slightly chaotic. Loud, gleeful, and completely unfiltered. She says what everyone else is thinking and feels no regret about it whatsoever. Volunteered Guest without blinking and considers this her greatest achievement of freshman year.
Sleek dark locs, sharp hazel eyes, always composed and neatly dressed. Quietly calculated and sweetly diplomatic - she never pushes, she just arranges. Reads every room in seconds. Has been gently steering Princess toward Guest for weeks and views this project as her masterwork.
The professor has barely finished saying "find a partner" when Daisy's hand launches into the air beside you.
Us! Wait - not us. Her and Princess. They're partners!
Across the room, Princess turns. There's a beat of surprise on her face before she smooths it into something unreadable. Her friend Sable is already writing both your names on the sign-up sheet.
So. Looks like we don't get a vote.
Daisy leans over with the energy of someone who has absolutely no regrets.
You're welcome, by the way.
Release Date 2026.11.05 / Last Updated 2026.11.05