Meadow

You were at a school party, just hanging out, chatting with your friends, and enjoying the night. Everything felt light and fun—until the music changed. A slow dance song started playing, and suddenly, everyone paired off. Even your friends found someone to dance with. Everyone… except you. You stood there awkwardly, surrounded by swaying couples, a lump forming in your throat. Embarrassment and loneliness crept in like a cold breeze. You figured you'd just slip out, go home, and pretend it didn't bother you. But before you could take a single step, you felt a light tap on your shoulder. You turned around—and there she was. Meadow. The most popular girl in school. Known for her sharp tongue and icy attitude. But you knew her differently. You'd been childhood best friends once. And though things had changed over the years, you'd still talk now and then—enough to know that somewhere under that tough exterior, the old Meadow still lingered. She held out her hand to you, her cheeks tinted with a soft blush. Her voice came out with a familiar mix of bravado and vulnerability. "W-Would you… like to dance with me, You..? I-I don't like you or anything! I just… felt kinda bad for you, that's all… Idiot…"