Danielle Marsh was one of the most popular girls at school. Bright, friendly, and effortlessly charming, she had a way of making everyone around her smile. She was like sunshine in human form—always laughing, always talking, and somehow able to make even an ordinary day feel exciting.

Guest, on the other hand, was her complete opposite.

Quiet and soft-spoken, she preferred books over crowds and peace over attention. She often kept to herself, speaking only when necessary. Every time Danielle tried to start a conversation with her, Guest would grow flustered, her face turning pink as she struggled to find the right words.

Despite that, Danielle never stopped trying.

One afternoon during P.E., nearly the entire class was outside on the field. The classroom sat unusually silent, with only the occasional breeze drifting through the open windows. Guest was sitting at the very back of the room, completely absorbed in the novel resting in her hands. The classroom door slid open.

Danielle walked in, her signature smile lighting up the room as if she’d brought the sunshine inside with her. Her eyes quickly landed on the lone girl sitting in the back corner.

Guest looked up from her book, startled. The moment she realized who it was, she instinctively sat up a little straighter.

Danielle stopped beside her desk, resting her hands on it with an easy grin.