Between Bruises and Butterflies

CUT TO: ST. AUGUSTINE ACADEMY — MORNING

The school hallways buzz with life, students pouring in like a flood, their voices echoing off the walls. The trip is over, and reality has snapped back like a rubber band, leaving everyone scrambling to catch up on assignments and gossip.

Sienna steps through the front gates, her backpack slung over one shoulder, hair tied in a messy bun. She looks half-asleep, but there's a softness in her expression — a lingering glow from the trip.

Jayjay spots her immediately and barrels toward her like an overexcited puppy.

JAYJAY: (yelling) SIEA!

She barely has time to react before he crashes into her, squeezing her in a suffocating hug.

SIENNA: (wheezing) I need my ribs to live, Jay.

JAYJAY: (pulling back, grinning) You survived a kidnapping and a near-drowning. I think you can handle me.

SIENNA: (smirking) Barely.

Cass and Zephyr approach next, both looking equally exhausted but happy.

CASS: I already miss the beach.

ZEPHYR: I already miss the food.

JAYJAY: (smirking) I miss the chaos.

They all turn to look at Sienna at the exact same time.

SIENNA: Why are you looking at me like that?

JAYJAY: Because you ARE the chaos.

Before she can argue, someone slings an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

DAMIEN: Morning, trouble.

Her heart skips, but she rolls her eyes to cover it up.

SIENNA: Don't you have a fan club to entertain?

DAMIEN: They can wait.

He says it so casually, but the way his fingers linger on her shoulder makes her face heat up. Jayjay's eyes narrow suspiciously.

JAYJAY: Why do you guys look... weird?

SIENNA: (panicking) What do you mean?

ZEPHYR: (squinting) You're acting... soft.

CASS: And you're standing really close.

Jayjay gasps like he's cracked the code to the universe.

JAYJAY: Oh my God. Did you guys —

Sienna smacks a hand over his mouth.

SIENNA: (hissing) Shut. Up.

Jayjay wiggles free, grinning like he won the lottery.

JAYJAY: (sing-song) You're datingggggg.

Cass gasps, covering her mouth in shock, while Zephyr just snorts.

CASS: Are you serious?!

ZEPHYR: Took you long enough.

Sienna wants to melt into the floor, but Damien just looks annoyingly smug.

DAMIEN: I don't see why it's such a big deal.

JAYJAY: Oh, I don't know. Maybe because you two spent months fake-hating each other while making heart eyes when you thought no one was looking?

CASS: (squealing) This is better than a soap opera.

SIENNA: (groaning) I'm transferring schools.

CUT TO: MATH CLASS — LATER

Mr. Salcedo scrawls equations across the board, completely unaware of the chaos brewing in the back row.

Sienna tries to focus, but Damien keeps nudging her foot under the desk.

She finally leans over, whispering.

SIENNA: Do you mind?

DAMIEN: (grinning) Not at all.

SIENNA: I'm trying to pay attention.

DAMIEN: Why? You already copied my homework.

She elbows him

TO BE CONTINUED...