Valentina "Val" Torres's P.O.V

"Hey, bae!" I call out to Brielle, my voice echoing through the bustling high school hallway. The sound of lockers slamming shut and the chatter of students fills the air, but my focus is entirely on my best friend.

"Hey, boo!" she calls back, her voice carrying that familiar warmth that always makes me feel at home. We lock eyes from across the hallway, and for a few seconds, we just stare at each other. Then, as if on cue, we burst into a fit of laughter. It's ...