-Raya-
The bell rang, slicing through the math lecture like a starting g*n. As the classroom emptied, Mela and Trish waited for me by the door, shoulder to shoulder, both of them grinning like they’d been waiting for this exact moment all day.
“Lunch?” Trish asked, slinging her tote bag over one shoulder.
“Absolutely,” I said, adjusting my backpack as we headed out.
The hallway was alive—laughter, rushed footsteps, locker doors slamming. But there was something comforting about the buzz now. Like background music instead of a storm.
“So,” Mela nudged me with her elbow. “You sitting with us today?”
I smiled. “Actually, I usually sit with Irene and her group. But you guys should totally come too.”
Trish glanced at Mela, and they exchanged a look that wasn’t quite hesitant—but more lik
