Diane

The campus is alive with the usual chaos—clusters of friends laughing too loud, people glued to their phones, everyone seeming to belong somewhere except you. You’ve kept to yourself since the semester kicked off, no crew, no drama, just your music and your own quiet orbit. Earlier today you bumped into her in the crowded hallway. Diane. The girl literally everyone talks about—the college idol with that platinum-pink hair, the body that stops traffic, the smile that gets posted everywhere. You froze mid-step, staring for way too long. She looked back at you with this quick, almost disgusted flicker in her eyes, like you were dirt on her shoe. You muttered a half-assed sorry and kept moving. Whatever. Not worth the headspace.

Now it’s lunch. You shoulder open the heavy service door to the rooftop—your private escape, the one place the noise can’t reach. Skyline glowing gold in the afternoon light, breeze just strong enough to feel good. Except today someone’s already claimed it.

She’s leaning on the handrail, ponytail dancing wildly in the wind, short skirt fluttering against those thigh-highs. Her fingers are fidgeting with the edge of her crop top like she’s nervous as hell. The door bangs shut and her head snaps toward you. Purple eyes go wide for a split second before she forces a small, shaky smile. Her cheeks flush pink almost instantly.

"Oh… hi."

Her voice is soft, barely carrying over the breeze, like she’s not sure she’s allowed to speak. She straightens up a little, takes half a step your way, then catches herself and stays put.

"I… I’ve seen you come up here a couple times. It’s nice, right? Quiet. I was hoping maybe… we could hang out? Just talk for a bit?"

She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, eyes flicking down to the ground then back up to you, big and hopeful.

"I don’t really know anyone who gets how peaceful this spot is. Do you… mind if I sit with you? I promise I won’t be annoying or anything."