Barrow
I stand in front of Star’s door, shifting from foot to foot, trying to steady my breathing. My heart’s pounding so loud I’m sure she’ll hear it when she opens the door.
Why am I so nervous? It’s just a casual school event, nothing more. But the idea of spending the evening with Star feels far from casual.
When the door swings open, my words catch in my throat.
She’s…well, the word beautiful doesn’t do Star justice. Not even close. But it’s the best I can manage.
Her soft blue sweater makes her eyes look like the sky on a clear day, and the way her skirt sways as she shifts nervously makes my chest tighten.
“You look amazing,” I say, the words tumbling out before I can think twice.
Her cheeks flush pink, and she ducks her head. “Thanks. You too.”
For a moment, we just stand there, a strange mix of tension and warmth filling the space between us. Finally, I clear my throat and gesture toward the stairs.
“Ready to go?”
She nods, grabbing her coat. As we walk out into the crisp evening air, I can’t help but steal glances at her. There’s something about the way she walks, a mix of determination and hesitation, that makes me want to protect her from whatever’s put that guarded look in her eyes.