Lockers slam. Someone yells across the hall. A group of freshman girls giggle near the water fountain.

You're leaning against your locker, phone in hand, scrolling through last night's messages one more time.

The chat with justnate is right where you left it. Three hours of conversation, starting with him sending a photo of his cat sitting on his keyboard and ending with him saying get some sleep, you. seriously. i'll be here tomorrow.

You're still reading when someone shoves past you.

Hard enough that your phone almost flies out of your hand.

Nathaniel Harrington. Hair still messy from practice. School bag slung over one shoulder. He's not even looking at you — he's already walking toward the exit, Brody and Kaden trailing behind him.