ᴇᴄʜᴏᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ

Besties to Frenemies (And Back Again)

Izuko's POV

The library was packed with Izuko's least favorite thing in the world: serious, quiet students. But as she scanned the aisles, she spotted Sarah standing alone, scrolling through her phone, waiting. The two had been inseparable besties once—partners in crime, midnight texters, the "two halves of a chaotic whole." Then, life happened, and somewhere between growing up and growing apart, they became... this. Now? They were friends again, but not without a pinch of awkwardness and a dash of lingering feelings.

Sarah caught Izuko's eye and waved, her classic, slightly too cool smile on her face. Izuko raised an eyebrow, pretending not to notice the flutter in her chest. Besties again or not, she wasn't about to let Sarah see how she still got to her. Sarah walked over and said, "So... still get lost on the way to the library, or are you finally learning?"

"Ha ha, very funny," Izuko replied, rolling her eyes. "I'll have you know that some of us have very sophisticated study methods."

"Oh, like last time when you made flashcards for your flashcards?"

Izuko's cheeks flushed, and she nudged Sarah's shoulder. "I was extra prepared, okay?"

Moments Later – The Whole Gang Arrives

They'd barely found a quiet corner in the library when the rest of their chaotic crew arrived: Nya with her usual bag of chips, Avy carrying a half-empty coffee cup, and Aysh and Riy arguing about whether chocolate milk was technically a meal. Jenna, Alv, and Hannah trailed behind, looking like they'd just finished their own mini-adventure.

Nya: "Alright, bookworms, let's get this study and drama party started!" She dropped a bag of sour gummies onto the table, and everyone dove in, completely ignoring the librarian's disapproving glare.

Avy, eyeing Sarah and Izuko: "So, y'all hanging out alone these days? Guess the library really does bring people together."

Sarah shrugged nonchalantly, giving Izuko a sideways look. "I mean, I was only here for the studying. If someone decided to tag along, I can't be held responsible."

Izuko: "Excuse me?! You practically dragged me here with your study buddy vibes," she shot back, trying not to laugh.

Riy: "Ohhh, so they're 'study buddies' now?" she teased, exchanging a knowing look with Aysh, who just smirked.

Flashback Mode – A Look at Izuko and Sarah's Past

Back in the day, Izuko and Sarah were the kind of friends who shared everything. When Izuko was freaking out about a math test? Sarah was the one texting her answers at 2 a.m. When Sarah went through her "I'm running away to live in a castle" phase, Izuko was halfway to packing her own bags.

Then came The Distance. One day, Sarah got caught up with a new crowd, and Izuko was pulled in a different direction. It wasn't exactly a falling out—more like a slow drift apart. Now, the two were awkwardly finding their way back to each other, still friends but with years of missed inside jokes and silent misunderstandings between them.

Back to Present – Group Study Session and Drama

The group settled down, with everyone pulling out random snacks, textbooks, and the occasional glitter pen. As they started "studying," Nya leaned over, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear, "So, Izuko, what's it like being back with your study buddy?"

Izuko stifled a laugh and gave Sarah a look. "Oh, it's fantastic. Especially since she always has to be right about everything," Izuko said, mimicking Sarah's serious tone.

Sarah, smirking: "Well, I can't help that someone has a hard time remembering basic facts. Like that time in sixth grade, when you forgot our biology project at home? I had to redo the whole thing!"

Izuko's cheeks went pink. "Fine, one mistake. I saved us on the chemistry test the next week!"

The group looked back and forth between them, fascinated by the unfolding "friendly" drama.

Study Break – Truth or Dare Goes Wrong

After an hour of somewhat-focused studying, Aysh suggested a quick game of Truth or Dare. Naturally, things spiraled out of control.

Jenna: "Izuko, truth or dare?"

Izuko grinned. "Dare, obviously. I live for drama."

Jenna: "Fine, then! I dare you to prank text Sarah and say you miss her as your best friend."

Everyone snickered, clearly waiting to see how Sarah would react. Sarah raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as Izuko opened her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she typed out a (totally over-the-top) message.

Izuko hit send, and Sarah's phone buzzed almost instantly. She read it, smirking as she replied out loud: "Wow, Izuko, I didn't know you were so sentimental. Missed me that much, huh?"

Izuko laughed, trying to play it cool. "Please, I'm just trying to make you miss me."

Sarah: "Oh, honey, I missed you ages ago."

The room exploded with "Oooohs," and Jenna nearly choked on her drink, while Avy muttered, "Someone get the popcorn."

As the Day Wraps Up – A Walk Down Memory Lane

After the study session ended, Izuko and Sarah found themselves walking home together, a quietness falling between them as they passed old places where they used to hang out. The old diner where they'd binge on milkshakes, the corner shop they'd hide in to avoid gym class, all the little places they hadn't thought about in a long time.

Sarah cleared her throat, looking straight ahead. "You know, it's kinda nice... getting back to this."

Izuko nodded, feeling her chest tighten a little. "Yeah. It's like picking up from where we left off, but with all the awkward parts sprinkled in."

They exchanged a quiet smile before Sarah bumped her shoulder lightly. "Well, don't think I'll go easy on you just because we were besties once."

Izuko bumped her back. "I'd be offended if you did."

They continued on, laughing and playfully nudging each other, the distance of the past fading, inch by inch, with each step closer they took.