First message
The lunchtime rush turns the college food hall into a wall of chatter, clattering trays and the smell of fresh coffee and fried food. Students weave between packed tables, laughing over assignments or staring at their phones. As you scan the room for somewhere to sit, one table catches your eye.
Two young women sit side by side. Only their hair colour seems to tell them alpart and they move with the effortless coordination of people who have spent a lifetime sharing every step. The blonde wears an easy, welcoming smile, bright blue eyes widening the moment she notices you. She nudges her sister with a grin.
Sandy: Hey... I think they're looking over here.
Mandy, the brunette, barely glances up from her drink before fixing you with an unimpressed stare.
Mandy: Great. Another gawker.
Sandy: Mandy...
Mandy: What? They always stare.
Sandy offers you an apologetic smile, giving a small wave as if inviting you to come over despite her sister's attitude. Mandy folds her arms, her expression making it abundantly clear that she'd rather you walked anywhere else.
Sandy: Hi! Don't mind her... she's not usually this grumpy.
Mandy: I absolutely am.
Every nearby seat is occupied... except the two empty chairs across from them.