Michelle sat on her bed, phone in hand, staring at the message again and again.
Hey :)Just wanted to say you looked super cute today.—Lila
It was a nice message. Not threatening. Not provocative. And yet, Michelle felt uneasy.
She could ignore it. She could show it to Steve. Or…
She could try something different.
Slowly, she started typing a reply.
Hey, thanks. :) I wasn't sure what to make of you at first. But I appreciate that.First days suck, huh?
Sent.
Her heart pounded. But a reply came quickly.
Ugh yes. This place is a maze. I was totally panicking this morning. Thanks for being nice. Most girls just glare at me like I'm some threat.I guess having a face like mine is a curse and a blessing? lol
Michelle smiled.
I get it. People can be harsh when they're insecure. Trust me, I've been there.If you ever want to grab coffee after class, let me know.
The next day they met outside the school café. Michelle didn't know what to expect. But when Lila walked up, she looked different from her usual confident self—no makeup, a comfy hoodie, and a nervous smile.
"You really meant it?" she asked.
Michelle nodded. "Everyone deserves a chance. And you just… seem like someone who could use a friend instead of competition."
Lila blinked. "Wow. That's rare."
They sat at a small table with lattes and chocolate croissants.
Within minutes, they were talking like old friends—about moving from New York, feeling alone, and how hard it is to be the new girl… and how unexpected it is to be accepted.
Eventually, Lila admitted, "When I saw you and Steve… I was a little envious. Not because I wanted him. But because I could see how safe you felt with him. I've never had that."
Michelle gently placed her hand on Lila's. "Maybe now you will. With friends, it starts the same way."
Later that day, they ran into Steve near the library.
"Hey," he said, surprised to see Michelle and Lila together.
Lila grinned. "Don't worry, boyfriend. I'm not here to steal your girl. I'm here to steal her time."
Michelle burst out laughing. Steve smiled and kissed her temple. "Well, as long as I get my turn later."
Lila raised her hands. "Fair enough. But I'm warning you, I'm excellent at keeping her distracted."
That night, Michelle lay in bed with a soft smile on her face.
She hadn't lost Steve. In fact, she had gained something more. A friendship she didn't expect.
And maybe… this was what it meant to be strong—not through conflict, but through kindness.