Operation Green Smoothie

Chloe's life was basically a nutrition label: 10% actual bravery, 90% panic. That's why she was crouching behind the cafeteria trash can, her dad's disgusting green **spinach** smoothie sweating in her backpack.

"You're basically a **spy** at this point," Maya whispered, crouching beside her. "What's the mission?"

"Mission: don't die of social embarrassment," Chloe muttered. Her crush, Leo, was sitting three tables away. If she walked over there, she might say something normal. Or she might accidentally reveal that she takes a gummy **vitamin** shaped like a dinosaur every morning because her mom thinks it's "cute."

"Go talk to him already," Maya pushed. "You're not going to get struck by **lightning** or something."

"Thanks for the confidence boost."

Suddenly, the cafeteria went dead silent. Marcus Chen—the human **bear** of their sophomore class, all 6'2" of varsity linebacker energy—stormed in, face like thunder. Everyone froze. This was the guy who made teachers nervous.

Chloe's backpack chose that exact moment to fall over. The smoothie exploded everywhere—bright green sludge splattering across the floor, her white converse, and somehow, Marcus's pristine Jordans.

The entire cafeteria held its collective breath.

Marcus looked at his shoes. Then at Chloe, who was considering transferring schools. Then he started laughing. Not mean laughing—actual, genuine laughter.

"Is that... spinach?" He wiped off his shoe. "My mom's always trying to get me to eat that stuff."

"It's... actually pretty good?" Chloe squeaked.

"Let me guess," Leo appeared beside her, grinning. "You're Chloe. The spinach smoothie assassin."

"The what now?"

"Only person I've ever seen who made Marcus Chen laugh without getting a wedgie first." Leo held out his fist. "Respect."

Chloe bumped it. Maybe 90% panic wasn't so bad when you had 10% perfect timing.