Heartstrings | Johnny Lawrence x (y/n) | 1984 |

| 31 | Close Enough

The next morning, you arrived at school feeling strangely lighter, yet still carrying the lingering sting of your argument with Johnny. You spotted the Cobras near the entrance, and as you approached, you noticed Johnny standing a little apart from the group, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity you couldn't ignore. For a moment, you met his eyes, a million unspoken words hanging between you, but you looked away, your resolve solid. You greeted Dutch, Bobby, Tommy, and Jimmy warmly, deliberately not acknowledging Johnny, as difficult as it was.

"So, what's the plan this weekend?" Bobby asked, throwing his arm casually over your shoulder. The rest of the Cobras started chatting about ideas, tossing out plans as if nothing unusual had happened. Johnny's presence was a heavy shadow, but you tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the genuine energy of your friends.

As you listened, you noticed Ali across the courtyard. She stood with her friends, looking your way with an expression you couldn't quite place—maybe a mix of curiosity and something more complicated. When your gaze met hers, she quickly looked away, shifting her attention back to her friends. You couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind, especially considering the recent developments between you and Daniel.

Speaking of Daniel, you soon spotted him by the lockers. He waved you over, flashing a bright, encouraging smile. Without thinking too much, you left the Cobras, feeling Johnny's gaze burning into your back as you walked away. Daniel leaned against his locker, waiting as you made your way over.

"Hey, how's it going?" he asked, his voice soft and sincere. There was a familiarity between you two now, something comfortable and supportive, which felt refreshing in the chaos of recent days.

"Better, I think," you replied, offering a small smile. "It's been... a weird few days, honestly."

Daniel nodded, his gaze understanding. "Yeah, I get that. I know it's hard. But, hey, I'm here if you need anything. Even if it's just someone to talk to."

"Thanks, Daniel. I really appreciate it," you said, genuinely grateful. It felt good to have someone you could trust without any ulterior motives. You leaned against the lockers next to him, catching Ali's gaze across the courtyard. She was watching you both intently, her expression unreadable but clearly focused on the two of you.

"She's been staring for a while now," Daniel said, following your gaze to Ali.

You shrugged, trying to play it off. "Yeah, she's probably just... confused. We haven't exactly been close lately."

Daniel raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Seems like she's not the only one confused. Are you, um, sure you're okay with everything going on?" His tone was gentle, genuinely caring, and for a moment, you felt yourself relax a bit more in his presence.

Before you could respond, Ali walked over, her stride purposeful, and stopped in front of you and Daniel. She looked between the two of you, clearly gathering her thoughts before speaking.

"Hey, Daniel," she greeted, her voice hesitant. "I was wondering if we could... maybe talk sometime? I feel like we left things a bit weird."

Daniel looked surprised, glancing at you for a moment. "Uh, sure, Ali. I mean, we can catch up sometime, I guess."

Ali's eyes flicked to you, lingering slightly as if trying to gauge your reaction. "And you—well, it's been interesting seeing you with the Cobras. And now... with Daniel. I guess things have really changed lately."

You held her gaze, unflinching. "Yeah, I guess they have. Things... shift." There was an edge in your tone that you couldn't quite mask, memories of how she'd treated Daniel floating to the surface.