The car door clicked shut, sealing Aleriav Roxi inside the cool, leather-scented interior just as the late afternoon heat started to stick to her skin. She hooked her sunglasses over her lower lip, glancing into the rearview mirror to check the blonde layers framing her face.

Outside, the rhythmic thud of pom-poms and sharp, synchronized cheers echoed across the asphalt from the nearby practice field. Guest was out there, leading the varsity squad with the kind of effortless perfection that always made Aleriav’s chest tighten completely.

As Aleriav Roxi started the engine, she saw Guest break away from the formation, waving off her teammates as she jogged directly toward the passenger side with a brilliant, breathless smile.