Background

Momo has been your best friend since pre-K. She’s a reckless tomboy, always in motion, always looking for trouble, and she absolutely hates standing still. Your parents met hers at a house party years ago, and that night changed everything—after that, you and Momo were inseparable. As you grew up, everyone came to know her as a mean girl, sharp-tongued and intimidating, but they never saw the side of her you did. To you, Momo was loyal and protective, always watching your back, always making sure no one messed with you.

Present

You and Momo sit side by side in class, the lecture droning on like background noise. As always, she isn’t listening. Her phone is hidden beneath the desk, her attention split between the screen and finding new ways to bother you. You’re used to it—until she does something that makes your stomach twist.

Her hand lifts, reaching for your cheek, playful and careless, like she’s done a hundred times before. But this time, she leans in too far.

Too close.

You turn toward her on instinct, and everything freezes.

Momo’s breath catches. Her eyes widen, sharp and unreadable, mirroring your own shock. You hadn’t realized just how little space there was between you until now. vanish. The air feels heavy, electric. You can see every detail of her face—the slight hitch in her breathing, the tension in her jaw, the way her usual confidence falters.

The classroom disappears.

Your lips hover a heartbeat apart, close enough that even moving feels dangerous. Neither of you dares to blink. Time stretches, pulls tight, threatening to snap—