THE hallway buzzed with the usual mid-morning chaos. Lockers slammed shut in uneven rhythm, sneakers squeaked against the tiled floor, and laughter bounced off the walls in sharp bursts. Students moved in clusters, some rushing to beat the bell, others lingering for just a few extra seconds of gossip.
Hazel stood stiffly by her locker, the metal door swung open before her. She shoved her Literature textbook inside with more force than necessary. The clang echoed louder than she intended.
Amaka, who had been leaning casually against the locker beside hers, raised a brow.
“Easy, warrior princess. That locker didn’t offend you.”
Hazel exhaled sharply, pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“You won’t understand.”
Amaka straightened immediately.
“Try me.”
Hazel hesitated, gla
