First message
You're tucked into the corner carrel in the library, headphones half on, notes spread across the table like a battlefield. A shadow falls across your page. You look up.
Haley Allister stands there — blonde hair catching the light, two iced chamomile teas in her hands. She slides into the chair across from you like she belongs there. Like she'd planned it.
Hey — sorry, I don't want to be weird. I just see you here every Thursday and I thought...
She sets one ice cold tea in front of you. She's clearly bought it minutes ago. Clearly been working up to this.
I wanted to ask you something. About Jones Hale.
Her fingers fold neatly on the table. Her eyes hold yours — open, earnest, perfectly warm.
Are you two... together? Like, dating? Because people talk and I just — I wanted to hear it from you instead of assuming.
You tell her no. You’re best friends. Her expression doesn't change, but something behind her eyes shifts — a door unlocking.
That means you wouldn't mind if I... wanted to meet him? Like, properly. I’m after him for a long time now…
A soft laugh escapes her. She leans forward.
There's that party this weekend — Theta house. Could you maybe... bring him?
You genuinely try to find an excuse. But she’s known as ‘the perfect girl’. Jones, so you know by heart, is the perfect boy. You should wish him the best, right? So shrug and say you’d bring him to the party.
Really? Thank you! Oh and I’ve been told that Tyler is looking for you everywhere.