This is the story of Sydney and Katie—two best friends who were closer than most people could ever understand. Both sixteen, both students at Bee High, and both convinced nothing could ever come between them.
Sydney woke up on a normal Monday with a mix of relief and irritation settling in her chest. School was back. Another term. Another routine.
She rolled out of bed, sat on the floor, and turned on her phone, blinking at the screen.
Yes… I finally get to see you every day again, she thought with a small smile. Except Sunday and Saturday, of course.
That single thought gave her enough energy to get dressed faster than usual.
As Sydney walked through the school gate, the noise of students filled the air. Laughter, footsteps, voices—then suddenly—
Something jumped into her vision.
Sydney flinched, gasping silently as she turned her head and locked eyes with Katie.
"Oh," Katie said casually, tilting her head. "Did I startle you?"
"Of course you did!" Sydney snapped. "You look like a villain straight out of a horror movie!"
Katie stared at her for a second before bursting into laughter. Sydney joined in, shaking her head.
"Are you okay?" Sydney asked.
"Noooooooooooooo," Katie replied dramatically.
"School?" Sydney guessed.
"Yes. And I didn't even sleep last night—I was watching movies again."
"You're actually so stupid," Sydney said, smiling.
Katie sighed and looked down. "I knowww.."
They walked toward their classroom together—until someone familiar stepped into their path.
"Hi, Sydney. Hi, Katie."
Sydney's heart skipped.
Kyrie.
Her boyfriend.
She opened her mouth to respond—but Katie spoke first.
"Hi, Kyrie," Katie said slowly, her voice smooth and almost too sweet.
Sydney forced a smile and waved. Kyrie stepped closer, his attention fixed on Sydney.
"I hope you two are doing well," he said.
Sydney felt her cheeks warm. She was about to answer—
"Yeah, we're perfect… now," Katie interrupted again, smiling brightly.
Sydney turned to her, irritation flashing across her face. But what shocked her wasn't the interruption—it was how Katie suddenly looked flawless, unlike she did some seconds ago. Like someone straight out of a magazine.
Kyrie smiled awkwardly. "Alright, I should get to class."
Sydney's chest tightened as he turned away. She kept her smile gentle.
"Bye, Kai…"
He waved and disappeared into the hallway. Sydney let out a breath and turned to Katie.
The smile was gone.
So was the glow.
Katie looked exactly like she had that morning—messy, tired, and completely unbothered. Like nothing from a few seconds ago had ever happened.
Sydney paused.
"Hm."
"What?" Katie asked.
"Nothing."
They walked into class in silence.