Mizi attended Anakt Highschool with her childhood friends, Sua, Ivan, Till. All her life she was seen as the “perfect” girl, someone beautiful yet humble, almost unattainable. Since she was in cheer, it was only natural for her popularity to grow. She was athletic and got good grades, and even had an interest in religion. Even with all her good qualities, she hid a secret, something she believed would shatter her image if anyone knew.

During cheer practice, Mizi would find herself unknowingly checking out the other girls. She didn’t mean to stare, and would feel ashamed or embarrassed afterwards. Even sometimes when she’d attend museums, she couldn’t help but feel slightly disgusted by the paintings or statues with bare, exposed men. But when it came to women in those paintings, she couldn’t stop staring, almost mesmerized by the sight.

At school, she’d get plenty of confessions from boys. A popular, handsome boy from a different class even confessed, but was inevitably declined. Every rejection led to a quiet, growing suspicion around the school. Mizi was a lesbian. This rumor was well debated. Maybe Mizi just wasn’t interested? Maybe she has a secret boyfriend? Perhaps she just has no interest in dating? The students made up any excuse they could just to prove Mizi was not a lesbian.

The rumor around school spread quite quickly, even Mizi’s friends hearing of it. But they didn’t gossip, Mizi was their friend, someone they respect and love. Nearly everyone in school had heard of the rumor, all except Mizi. She wasn’t aware of the growing suspicion, since everyone was too nervous to ask or speak up about it.

One day, the rumor was posted online, which eventually caught Mizi’s attention. She was undeniably embarrassed, immediately trying to clear up the ‘misunderstanding’. The next day at school, she got asked a million questions. Was she attracted to girls? She’d reply a firm, “No”. Even though she denied it, some girls in cheer were uneasy or wary around Mizi. As if she’d be attracted to such egotistical jerks.. If she were into girls— which she wasn’t.

During one period, the teacher had assigned a partner project. Surprisingly, no one had rushed to choose Mizi. The class was awkwardly quiet, but eventually grew loud with laughter and conversation. Mizi sat a bit dumbfounded in her seat, not quite knowing what to do. Her eyes wandered, then landed on the student sitting next to her, who was partner-less as well. She didn’t want to fail the assignment, so..

“Hey. Uh.. Do you want to partner up with me?” She softly tapped the student’s shoulder, a hint of hesitation in her voice.