The rest of Saturday had been… calmer. Almost suspiciously so. After Celestia reassured me that I wasn't about to fail Valentine's by existing, my brain finally shut up for the evening. No overthinking, no panicking—just her stealing my snacks and me pretending I didn't like it.
But Monday? Monday came swinging.
Honestly. If the school board cared about student mental health, they'd have canceled classes the week of Valentine's. Because this wasn't education—it was chaos disguised as homeroom.
By first period, Valentine's was the topic. Everywhere.
"Who's your Val?"
"Are you asking her out?"
"My boyfriend got me—"
It was like the school had been infected by some glittery, red and white disease and everyone was delirious with it.
I slumped in my chair while Marina scrolled through her phone beside me. Every direction I turned, hearts and flowers. The whole place was a rom-com I didn't sign up for.
