Zee.
I splashed cold water on my face, trying to settle the storm in my chest. My reflection in the mirror stared back at me—flushed cheeks, wide eyes, a mix of panic and pride flickering behind them.
Who was that girl who just stood up to Blake in front of the entire class?
I didn’t know. But I kind of liked her.
After drying my hands and checking that no remnants of my emotional tornado showed, I stepped out of the bathroom and into the hallway, where whispers had already started spreading like shadows behind me.
“That’s her—Zee, the party girl.”
“She really said two drinks each?”
“Where’s the invite?”
I walked faster, trying not to make eye contact. My steps felt heavier with every glance, every murmur. It was like walking into a spotlight I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
Then I
