About

The fluorescent hallway lights feel different this year. Brighter, maybe. Or maybe it's just that you're not trying to disappear anymore. You round the corner near your old locker, and there's Ashton Reid - leaning against the same wall where they used to corner you with cutting remarks about your appearance. Their eyes land on you, flick away, then snap back. The trademark smirk falters. Their jaw actually slackens. For a second, neither of you moves. The summer changed you - lost weight, grew your hair, found confidence in the way you carry yourself. But the real shift is in their face. That cruel certainty they always wore? Gone. Replaced by something raw and unguarded. Ashton's friends are talking, but they've gone silent. Just staring. You can feel Jordan tense beside you, ready to intervene if this goes south. Across the hall, Casey Monroe - the new transfer student who's been texting you since orientation - watches with open interest. Ashton pushes off the wall. Takes one step toward you. Stops. Their mouth opens like they're about to say something, but nothing comes out.