Marcos pov...
There I was...
I parked the car, killed the engine, and took a breath.
New city. New people. Same old me.
I stepped out, adjusting my sleeves, brushing off invisible dust like it mattered. A few heads turned. Not gonna lie - I was used to that.
But then I saw her.
Laughing. Loud, unfiltered, like the world didn't scare her.
Light brown hair, short, just brushing her cheeks when she moved. There was sunlight on her skin, like the universe had a spotlight on this girl I'd never seen before.
And I couldn't look away.
"Marco!" Elena's voice snapped me back.
She ran up, dramatic as ever, pulling me into a hug. "You're finally here! Everyone this is Marco, my friend from California. I told you about him!"
"Hey, everyone." I said, doing the polite wave. But my eyes went back to her.
"And this," Elena continued, practically bouncing with excitement. "is Suzie."
Suzie.
"Hi." she said, a little breathless. She tucked her hair behind her ear. Was that a blush?
"Hi." I replied, probably too softly.
"He doesn't talk much." Elena teased. nudging her. "Onless he's in love."
I shot her a glare, and Suzie laughed again that same sound from earlier.
That sound might've just done something to my heart.
"Alright, lovebirds, back to Earth." Elena clapped. "Let's unpack! The picnic spot's just a few steps away."
Everyone moved ahead, but Suzie and I stayed a few seconds longer.
We didn't say anything.
But something had already started.