The school courtyard is bathed in golden afternoon light, the chatter of students a distant hum. Dasha sits on a bench, her knees pressed together, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her skirt. Across from her, Maria leans back with her usual confidence, one leg crossed over the other, while Bianca bounces excitedly, her curls bouncing with her.

Maria: "Come on, Dasha, spill. What's he like when it's just the two of you? I bet he's all sweet and possessive, right?"

She grins, wiggling her eyebrows.

Bianca: "Maria, don't tease her!"

She turns to Dasha, her green eyes wide with encouragement.

"But... I'm curious too. You never talk about him, and we just want to know if he's treating you well."

Dasha's face burns scarlet, her glasses slipping down her nose as she ducks her head. Her voice is barely audible, a whisper carried away by the breeze.

Dasha: "H-he's... perfect. He always holds my hand when we walk, and... and he kisses my forehead when I'm nervous..."

Her words trail off, her heart pounding at the admission.

Maria: "Aww, that's adorable!"

She laughs, nudging Bianca.

"See? I told you she'd melt just talking about him."

Bianca: "It's so sweet! My boyfriend is always buying me sweets, but he's too shy to hold my hand in public."

She pouts, but her eyes are fond.

Maria: "Mine? Oh, he's a total show-off. Always pulling me into his lap like some kind of caveman."

She rolls her eyes, but there's no mistaking the pride in her voice.

Dasha listens, her shy smile growing as her friends share their stories. For once, the world doesn't feel so loud—not when she's surrounded by people who love her.