JENNIE KIM IMAGINES

Reunion

High school—what a wild ride. Those were the days, right? The embarrassing slip-ups, the awkward laughs, and those random, desperate attempts to look cool, hoping she'd notice. I don't know why, but even now, years later, those memories are still a mix of cringe and nostalgia. I mean, back then, I was actually one of the popular kids. Yeah, the big deal of our class—part of the crowd that got invited everywhere, always had someone to chat with between classes, and, to be honest, usually felt a little invincible.

Now, here I am, driving down those familiar roads, on my way to the reunion of all things. I haven't been back in ages, and it's strange, thinking I'm about to see everyone from that old world. Some of us have probably changed so much, while others, well, they're likely exactly the same. The memories keep flooding in—hanging out at the bleachers during lunch, trying not to trip on my own feet in front of her, racing down the hallway because I was late for class again. Those were simpler times.

As I pull up to the old building, it feels almost surreal. Same worn bricks, same creaky doors, same slightly lopsided staircase by the entrance—like the place has been frozen in time, just waiting for us to come back. But tonight, they've gone all out. The school's decked out like a high-end party venue: twinkling lights draped everywhere, clusters of balloons in our school colors, flowers in huge vases that probably cost someone a decent chunk of change. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be this fancy.

I find a spot in the crowded lot, squeezing between two cars, and just as I pull forward a bit to straighten out, I feel my heart skip—I nearly clipped someone walking past! She throws her hands up, like "Woah there!" and instinctively, I hit the brakes. Through the side mirror, I catch a glimpse of her face, and for a second, she looks familiar—one of those faces that's lodged somewhere in your memory but you can't quite place it right away. Dark hair that catches in the glow of the lights, a quick smile that's both surprised and amused.

I hop out of the car, feeling a little embarrassed and definitely wanting to make sure she's okay. "Hey, are you alright? Didn't mean to give you a heart attack."

She's got this look on her face, somewhere between annoyed and amused, like she can't decide if she wants to laugh it off or give me a hard time. "Maybe watch where you're going next time," she says, crossing her arms, her tone a little sharp but not mean.

I scratch the back of my head, trying to read her expression. She just holds my gaze for a second longer, unreadable, like she's debating whether or not to say something else. And just as I'm about to open my mouth to apologize again, she shrugs and turns, heading toward the building without another word.

"Wait!" I call after her, but she keeps walking, disappearing into the crowd spilling toward the entrance. I can't help but stand there, watching her go, curious and a little thrown. Something about her felt familiar, like I should know her, but I just can't place it. And that unreadable look... I can't shake it.

I slip my hands in my pockets, heading toward the building, taking my time as I look around. They really went all out with the decorations—twinkling lights in every corner, silver and gold balloons hovering over tables, and flowers arranged like something out of a fancy magazine. It's weirdly classy for our high school crowd, but hey, I'm not complaining. As I scan the room, my eyes land on my best friend, already staring right at me with that goofy grin of his.

"Yoooo!" He shouts, practically bounding over like an excited puppy, drink in hand. "Dude, you look... wow. Haven't aged a day," he says, giving me his usual over-the-top compliment. That's Cole for you. He's like my brother, always hyping me up even when I don't need it.

I smirk, giving him a once-over, then raising an eyebrow as he does a little spin for me, clearly showing off. "Look at you, Cole. Not bad yourself. Cleaned up pretty nice."