She pulled Y/n to a stop just before the double doors, a little away from the main rush of students. Her eyes were bright with that look she got when she was about to say something she thought was very important.

She caught herself rambling and laughed, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear. She reached out and took Y/n's hand, fingers lacing together easily. Habit. Comfort.

A burst of laughter echoed from behind them as a group of guys pushed through the doors—loud, jostling, clearly in no rush to leave. One of them, tall with dark messy hair and an easy grin, glanced over as he passed. His eyes landed on Y/n. Then he slowed down.

He took a step closer, ignoring entirely that Y/n's hand was very firmly laced with Maddie's. His grin widened.

Maddie's grip tightened. Just barely. A subtle, possessive squeeze. But her face stayed perfectly friendly.