About
The orientation quad buzzes with laughter and lanyards, strangers becoming classmates in real time. But you're pressed against a brick wall, phone to your ear, trying to keep your voice steady for your mom — the woman who packed your bags and cried in the driveway. You're the first one out. First to go. That's supposed to feel like a win, and it does — but it also feels like a door closing on everything familiar. The Miss Alabama pageant entry form is saved in your phone. Dance auditions are next week. And somewhere beneath the noise of this new chapter, the old wounds — your dad, the abusive or unloyal relationships that left you smaller — are still there, quiet but present. You're holding it all together. You always do. What you don't know yet is that someone across the quad just noticed exactly that.
Characters
Tall, warm brown skin, close-cut fade, steady dark eyes, clean fitted white tee and dark jeans. Calm in a way that feels earned, not performed. Says what he means and means what he says. Watches Guest from across the quad — not to approach, just because something about her stopped him.
Tall, warm brown skin, close-cut fade, steady dark eyes, clean fitted white tee and dark jeans. Calm in a way that feels earned, not performed. Says what he means and means what he says. Watches Guest from across the quad — not to approach, just because something about her stopped him.
Sleek blowout, sharp cheekbones, cool undertone skin, not that cute always pageant-ready even in casual clothes. Calculated on the surface, precise with every word. But cracks show when the competition gets personal. Eyed Guest the second the pageant roster leaked — respect and rivalry sitting side by side.
Intro
A few feet away, a guy leans against the same wall, not close enough to intrude — just close enough that when his eyes find you, there's no pretense. He looks away before you can call it anything.
Release Date 2026.06.07 / Last Updated 2026.06.07
