Ivey's Pov
It's a new school year, and I'm already stressed. Normally, I enjoy school — mostly because of my friends and, okay, my boyfriend — but the thought of all the upcoming academic pressure and stress twists my stomach into knots. Honestly, we should have the option to just Zoom through life. But nope. Here I am.
I pulled my hoodie over my head and stepped out of the car, dragging my bag behind me. The air was thick with late-summer humidity, and I could already feel my hair starting to frizz.
The school building looked exactly like it did last year — gray, dull, and kind of depressing, if I'm being honest. But the front steps were already packed, buzzing with energy and back-to-school chaos.
As I approached the school, I spotted Kayla waving like a maniac. It was like she hadn't seen me in years.
"IVEY!" she shouted, running towards me and tackling me into a hug. "How was your summer? Wait — don't answer that. Did you see who got back together over break?!"
I laughed, I haven't even said a word yet, and the school year hasn't even officially started, but she already knew all the gossip.
"I missed you," I said, hugging her tightly. "And no, I'm not caught up yet. Who got back together?"
Before she could answer, a pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind. I didn't need to look — I knew it was Josh.
"Hey" he said, kissing me on the cheek. "Missed you."
I smiled at him. "Hey."
Kayla gave me a look — not judgmental, just... curious. The kind of look that said Did something happen? But she didn't ask.
I don't blame her. I was being a little distant with Josh, but only because I was tired. That's all. Probably.
We walked into the building together, the sound of chatter and lockers slamming echoing through the halls. Everything felt familiar. Comfortable, almost. But beneath it all, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting.
Something big.