Hearts of trouble (under development)

The next day

The next morning, Shawn arrived at school feeling a sense of ease that surprised him. He and Lily had talked until late, sharing pieces of their pasts and laughing about the odd family stories that somehow lightened the heavy parts. Today felt different-he had something, or maybe someone, he could count on in a way he hadn't before.

As he made his way through the crowded hallway, he spotted Lily by her locker. She was chatting with Cory and Topanga, her expression relaxed, her smile easy. There was something almost magnetic about her today; she looked genuinely happy, and Shawn felt a quiet pride knowing he'd helped put that smile there.

"Hey, stranger," he greeted, leaning against the locker beside her.

Lily turned, her face lighting up even more when she saw him. "Hey, Shawn. You sleep at all after our deep dive into family therapy?"

"Barely," he grinned, "but I'd say it was worth it."

Cory caught the knowing look that passed between them and raised an eyebrow. "So... did something happen last night? Because it sounds like I missed out on some major revelations here."

Lily laughed, nudging Cory. "Let's just say that Shawn and I got into some deep family stuff. I'm talking grandma stories, terrible parenting decisions, the whole shebang."

Cory looked amused, and Topanga chimed in, "Family therapy in the park, huh? It sounds like you two really hit it off."

Shawn felt a hint of color rise in his cheeks, but he shrugged it off, trying to keep things cool. "What can I say? We both have... unique family situations."

Lily gave him a soft, knowing smile. "Unique is one way to put it."

Just then, Mr. Feeny walked by, giving Shawn and Lily a look that could only be described as suspicious curiosity. "Mr. Hunter, Miss Collins. I trust you both remember that I'm expecting you to contribute something insightful to today's discussion on The Great Gatsby?" His gaze shifted pointedly to Shawn.

Shawn chuckled, knowing Feeny was implying he hadn't done the reading. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Mr. Feeny."

Feeny's lips pressed together in a skeptical but amused smile. "I'll hold you to that, Mr. Hunter."

As he walked off, Lily leaned over and whispered, "Is he always like that?"

"Pretty much," Cory answered, grinning. "Feeny's convinced Shawn is his lifelong project."

"Hey, Feeny loves me," Shawn said, giving a mock-offended look. "And besides, I think he's warming up to you, too, Lily. Not many people get the 'I'm disappointed but expect better' look on their first week here."

She laughed, and for the first time, Shawn noticed how it felt like the whole hallway lit up with that sound. But before he could overthink it, the bell rang, and they headed to class.

Later, in English Class

The students were discussing The Great Gatsby, and as expected, Mr. Feeny had his eyes trained on Shawn and Lily, waiting for one of them to chime in. Lily, who had a thoughtful look on her face, finally raised her hand.

"I think Gatsby's obsession with Daisy... it's sad. He's built her up in his mind to be something she can't live up to," she said thoughtfully. "And he doesn't see that she's just... well, human."

Mr. Feeny looked impressed, nodding as he considered her point. "An interesting perspective, Miss Collins. And do you believe that Gatsby's refusal to accept her flaws ultimately led to his downfall?"

Lily thought for a moment before replying, "I think so. I think sometimes people get so lost in their ideas of what they want others to be that they don't see the person standing right in front of them. They miss the good parts because they're chasing this perfect idea that doesn't even exist."

Feeny seemed pleased, nodding as he shifted his gaze to Shawn. "And Shawn, do you have any thoughts to add?"

Shawn glanced at Lily, her words lingering in his mind. He hadn't prepared anything, but something about what she'd said struck a nerve, and he found himself speaking without hesitation.

"Yeah, I think Lily's right. Gatsby's kind of... chasing an illusion. He wants this perfect life, the perfect girl, but he's ignoring all the stuff that makes them real-like the messy, flawed stuff. It's like he's running from who he is, hoping he'll turn into this version of himself that he thinks will fix everything."

Feeny gave him an approving nod, his expression softening. "Well put, Mr. Hunter. Gatsby, like so many people, is trapped by his own expectations, unable to see that perfection isn't the same as happiness."

Shawn glanced back at Lily, catching her small smile. She gave him a subtle thumbs-up, and he felt a surge of warmth knowing she'd helped him see things a little more clearly-not just in the book, but in his own life.

After Class

As they filed out, Lily caught up with Shawn in the hallway. "Not bad, Mr. Hunter," she teased. "Turns out you're a philosopher when you're not busy getting in trouble."

Shawn grinned, shrugging. "I have my moments." Then, with a bit more seriousness, he added, "You know, what you said about people chasing a perfect version of someone... I get it. I think I do that sometimes-look for things that feel perfect because I don't know how to deal with the parts that are... real."

Lily gave him a gentle smile, understanding in her eyes. "It's easy to do. Sometimes, you want so badly to escape that you end up living in a fantasy instead of just facing what's right in front of you."

Cory and Topanga joined them, catching the tail end of the conversation. "You two have been philosophizing all day," Cory said, rolling his eyes but smiling. "Since when did English class get so deep?"

"Since Shawn decided to actually do the reading," Topanga teased, raising an eyebrow.

Shawn chuckled. "Guess it's just been that kind of day."

Topanga tilted her head, observing them. "Whatever's going on, it's good to see you both talking like this. I think you've brought out a new light