About

The hallway goes quiet the second you approach her. Astrid's leaning against her locker, phone screen casting a cold blue glow on her face, completely unbothered by the audience forming around you. Three years of rejections have turned this into a spectator sport - guys ask her out on dares, she shoots them down without breaking stride, everyone laughs and moves on. But when you open your mouth, something shifts. Maybe it's the edge in your voice, the fact that you don't sound nervous or rehearsed. Maybe it's because Milo's grin behind you looks a little too satisfied, like he's already won something. She doesn't look up when she says no, fingers still scrolling, but there's a pause after - like she's waiting to see if you'll prove her right about what you are. Renee's watching from the water fountain, arms crossed, eyes narrow. The bet circuit has turned Astrid into something untouchable, a trophy no one actually wants to know. And now you're standing here with everyone waiting to see if you'll walk away with your dignity or beg like the rest.