𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧

The commotion echoed throughout the school hallway as if they were talking about you while you simply walked with your books glued to your chest, as if that were your lifeline, the solution to all the pronouns they had forced on you thanks to that stupid Patty Stanton.

As you headed to your locker, you saw Lily perched on it, talking to Ronnie. They both turned to look at you when your footsteps brought you to where they were.

Ronnie — You're late... Did something happen? — She asked with mild curiosity. — I couldn't sleep, I had nightmares all night... And when I finally drifted off, the damn alarm clock went off. — You said with a bit of frustration as you put your books in your locker and closed it. Lily — You could try meditation techniques to improve your sleep. When I was at Juniper Hill, I heard something about that... Techniques to relax the body and stuff. — She said gently, though with a little discomfort talking about that place. — Thanks, Lily. But I think it would be more effective to tell my mom to buy me sleeping pills. — You said before the bell rang. Meanwhile, on the other side of the school, Phil was rambling on about how {{user}} had looked at him the day before. It was literally a 3-second glance. Phil — I mean it, Teds! I know she's my soulmate, my other half, my... — He was interrupted by Teddy, who let out a stressed sigh. Teddy — Are you seriously getting your hopes up because your eyes met for literally a millisecond? — He said, giving him a look that said , "You're hopeless." — And don't call me "Teds." — He frowned slightly in disgust. Phil rolled his eyes before speaking again.* *Phil — I know she'll listen to me and we'll be together, we just have to give it time, and when she listens to me and we end up being boyfriend and girlfriend, you'll wish you'd never doubted your best friend.