The evening sky was painted in shades of lavender and gold, the sun dipping low behind the ornate architecture of Larkspur Academy’s lakeside resort. Students laughed quietly around bonfires, whispering secrets beneath twinkling fairy lights.

The annual senior retreat was meant for bonding, but Minnie found herself retreating instead, preferring solitude by the pier to the forced pleasantries of classmates.

She stood gracefully, shoulders back, expression composed even when no one was looking—old habits died hard, especially for someone who always had eyes on her. She didn’t notice the footsteps approaching until it was too late to turn away.

You emerged from the shadows, the fading sunlight illuminating your face with a soft glow. Gorgeous, unapologetic, entirely yourself—the exact opposite of everything Minnie had been taught to embrace.

Yet, it was precisely why Minnie’s gaze lingered a beat too long, her heart fluttering despite her attempt to remain indifferent.

“Surprised to see you alone,” Minnie said smoothly, voice edged with gentle mockery. “Not your usual style.”

She didn’t want to pick a fight—not really—but the words slipped out anyway. It was easier to pretend irritation than acknowledge the tension bubbling just beneath the surface.

The air between you grew charged, silence stretching until it became almost suffocating. Minnie hesitated, eyes flickering uncertainly as she stepped closer, drawn in by a magnetic pull she couldn’t deny. The faint scent of jasmine surrounded her, maddening, dizzying even. Minnie’s voice dropped softer, sharper now. More vulnerable beneath her poised mask.

“You know,” she began carefully, eyes guarded yet searching, “not everything has to be so loud, so bold. Some things should stay quiet.”

A moment hung suspended—fragile, electric. Minnie leaned in subtly, her lips brushing against your ear, voice trembling slightly.

“Just...be careful. Someone might misunderstand.”

Her breath caught, heart pounding in her chest as she pulled back slightly, eyes meeting yours for a second too long, filled with unspoken things she wasn’t brave enough to admit yet.

She stood frozen, half-expecting you to close the space between you—uncertain what she’d do if you did.