Tangled hearts ❤️

The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries fills the air as I move behind the counter, smiling at the customers who come and go. There’s something about working at Petite Delights that makes me feel at home. Maybe it’s the rustic wooden tables, the twinkling fairy lights strung across the ceiling, or the soft indie music playing in the background. Or maybe it’s just the way I feel when I’m here—comfortable, capable, like I belong. I place a tray of lemon tarts in the glass display case, the sight of them making my chest swell with pride. Ever since the café started letting me bake, my days have been filled with even more excitement. Seeing people enjoy something I made with my own hands? That’s a feeling I’ll never get over. "Zora, these smell divine!" I look up to see Mrs. Patel, one of our regulars, leaning over the counter with a warm smile. "You must have a magic touch, dear," she says, picking up a tart. I chuckle, wiping my hands on my apron. "I just follow the recipe and hope for the best." She laughs, shaking her head. "If only my husband followed instructions as well as you do!" I grin, ready to respond, when the café bell jingles. Before I can even turn around, two arms wrap around me, squeezing me so tight I nearly drop the tray I’m holding. "Zoraaaa!" I barely have time to react before I’m spun around in an overly dramatic hug. "Hanna—" I gasp. "You're suffocating me!" Hanna lets me go just as dramatically, stepping back with a radiant grin. Hanna Lee. My best friend. Korean, filthy rich, and effortlessly stunning. Today, she’s wearing a beige designer coat and knee-high boots, her dark wavy hair cascading like something straight out of a fashion ad. "Oh, hush," she waves me off. "You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this day!" She clasps my hands in hers. "We have a whole ass day planned, Zora! Shopping, a spa day, and so much more!" I can’t help but smile at her excitement. "That actually sounds amazing." "It is amazing!" She bounces on her heels. "Now hurry up. We need to go, go, go!" I glance at the counter, my shift almost over. "I just need to finish up here, then I’ll meet you at the car. Or do you want something while you wait?" Hanna gasps like I just offended her entire bloodline. "Eat? Drink?! Are you kidding? I’m way too excited for that! Let’s go!" I laugh, shaking my head. "Alright, alright. Give me one minute." Hanna crosses her arms dramatically. "One minute, Zora. That’s all I’m giving you." I roll my eyes but can’t stop smiling. This is going to be a long, exhausting, but absolutely perfect day. --- I finish wrapping up my last task and glance at Hanna, who’s practically vibrating with excitement by the door. As I walk toward her, she raises her arms dramatically and I know exactly what’s coming. Without hesitation, we both lock eyes and fall into our signature handshake—an intricate series of high-fives, finger snaps, spins, and goofy moves that always make us laugh like crazy. "Bestie, you’re the best," I say with a grin. Hanna grins back, her energy infectious. "You know it! Now let’s get going! I’ll race you to the car!" Without another word, she bolts for the door, and I can’t help but follow suit, laughing all the way. This is our life—loud, spontaneous, and full of moments that feel like they could never be topped. Aftermath The sun is beginning to set as Hanna and I make our way back to the dorm, our arms loaded with shopping bags. The streets buzz with the last traces of daylight energy—cars honking, groups of students laughing as they pass by, and the crisp evening air carrying the lingering scent of street food. My feet ache, and I swear my arms are about to fall off, but the satisfaction of the day is undeniable. “Wow, Zora, I’m telling you—if you weren’t so stubborn, we could have bought even more things,” Hanna huffs, shifting her bags as she glances at me. I gape at her, nearly dropping my shopping haul. “Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? If I hadn’t been there to stop you, you would’ve bought the whole mall.” Hanna gasps dramatically, flipping her hair. “Excuse me? I had to chase you around because you ran off to that thrift store!” I stop walking and place my hands on my waist, my expression firm. “Because they are literally the same clothes for cheaper prices! And they’re more comfortable.” Hanna groans, throwing her head back. “Okay, okay, Miss Practical, you win. But can we please go inside? My legs are killing me.” I chuckle, shaking my head as we finally step into the dorm building, the familiar scent of lavender air freshener mixed with something faintly burnt greeting us. The hallway is quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. As we push open the door to our dorm room, a sight we’ve grown used to over the past few months meets us. There, sitting by the window, is Clara. Blonde. Blue-eyed. The type of effortlessly beautiful that makes people stop and stare. If only her personality matched her looks. A vape pen dangles from her fingers, a thin stream of smoke escaping her lips as she stares blankly out of the window. The second she notices us, her expression shifts—her gaze turning cold, judgment dripping from the way she eyes our bags. Then, just like that, she rolls her eyes, stands up, and walks out, not sparing us another glance. The room is silent for a moment before Hanna scoffs. “Wow. Nice to see you too, Clara,” she mutters, kicking the door shut behind her. I exhale, dropping my bags onto my bed. “She really hates me.” “She hates everyone who doesn’t have a yacht,” Hanna corrects, plopping onto her bed dramatically. “I swear, her parents put her in this dorm to fix her attitude, but I think it’s only making her worse by the minute.” I nod, leaning against my dresser. “It’s like she can’t stand the fact that I’m here on a scholarship, like I don’t belong.” “Well, guess what?” Hanna grins mischievously. “You do belong, and she can choke on that fact.” I laugh, feeling some of the tension fade. No matter what Clara thinks, I’m here. And nothing—not her attitude, not her cold stares—is going to change that.