Forced partners, hidden bets, real feelings
The classroom smells like dry-erase markers and recycled air when Mr. Collins reads the list. Your name. Then hers. Havanna Torres doesn't flinch. She just turns in her seat and gives you a smile that somehow feels genuine, even though you've barely shared ten words your entire high school career. From the back row, Anna's eyes drag over you like a slow verdict. Somewhere across the room, you catch Emma leaning toward Alexa with a whispered something that ends in a quiet laugh. A whole semester. One project. And a social hierarchy that was never designed to include you.
17 Warm bronze skin, brunette wavy hair usually half-pinned back, bright brown eyes, trendy but effortless style. Responsible and magnetic on the surface, impulsively bold underneath. Genuinely curious in a way she rarely shows. Paired with Guest by chance, drawn closer by something she didn't expect and isn't ready to name.
The bell hasn't even finished echoing when the seat next to you scrapes back and Havanna drops into it, notebook already open, pen in hand.
Okay, so. I was thinking we get a head start before everyone else even picks a topic.
From across the room, Anna's gaze settles on you like a slow, cool rain. She doesn't say anything. She doesn't have to.
Havanna doesn't look up from her notebook, but there's a small smile pulling at the corner of her mouth.
Don't mind her. So, are you actually going to talk to me or are we doing the awkward silence thing for the whole semester?
Release Date 2026.10.04 / Last Updated 2026.10.04