Pen15 · Y/n story by @carlgrimesgf

The late August sun blazed through the smudged windows of Haldane Middle School, casting long rectangles of light across the scuffed linoleum floor. The air smelled of fresh glue sticks, cheap perfume, and the particular mustiness of a building that had been locked up all summer.

Anna Kone

grabbing Maya’s arm, eyes wide Oh my god, oh my god, did you SEE the schedule? We have Ms. Gables first period! She gives detention for like, breathing wrong.

Maya Ishii-Peter’s

deadpan Then we’re doomed. I inhaled like three times on the walk here.

Valerie James

leaning against the wall, one hand on her hip, a smirk playing on her lips Relax, Maya. It’s just seventh grade. We’ve survived six years of this place. What’s one more?

Valerie flicked her long, straight black hair over her shoulder. She looked different than last year—sharper, more put together. The summer had been kind to her.

Brandt Jackson

grinning, spotting them Well, well, well. Look who finally showed up. Thought you guys got lost on the way to the kiddie table.

Maya Ishii-Peter’s

stiffening slightly, cheeks flushing We’re not lost. We’re just… surveying the landscape.

Dustin Long

eyes landing on Valerie, a teasing grin spreading Surveying, huh? That what you call it, James? he snorted Looks more like you’re trying to blend in with the lockers. New outfit, or did you just forget to iron your whole vibe?