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toward the booming music.

Alright, Lansing High,

the DJ says

as if on cue.

It’s time for a slow one.

A SZA song comes on

and instantly the crowd mellows

as people pair off

or move to the sides to take a break.

I spot Holden and Kiana

and navigate over

to a space next to them.

There you are! FINALLY!

Kiana shouts at us.

Lyric waves limply at her

and then

looks down

at our intertwined hands.

I keep as still

and as confident as I can.

Come on—I say, squeezing her hand.

It’ll just be a friendly slow dance

between

fake internet girlfriends.

Totally normal.

Then

before I can stop myself

I wink at her.

Omg, why, Juniper?!

my head screams.