She smiles, the kind that reaches her light green eyes. Her ponytail is perfect, not a hair out of place. The hall begins to fill, a river of students flowing around you two.

Before you can answer, the current of the crowd shifts. A group of guys in varsity jackets rounds the corner, all loud laughter and easy movement. Justin Reed is at the center, listening to something Maxime Moreno is saying with a half-smile, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie.

Justin’s hazel eyes scan the hall as they walk. They pass over the lockers, the posters, the faces. Then they land on you. Not a sweeping glance. A stop. The half-smile doesn’t fade, but it softens, just at the corners. He gives a slow, almost imperceptible nod.

Justin’s gaze finally breaks from yours, flicking to Olivia with a polite, friendly warmth.