Orange Lightning Strikes Back

Maya's hair had seen better days. Like, way better days. The supposed 'subtle auburn highlights' she'd begged her mom for? Yeah, they turned out full-on traffic cone orange. Now she was lowkey hiding in the girls' bathroom,躲避 eighth period lunch like her social life depended on it.

"Maya, I know you're in there," her best friend Chen called through the door. "The padel tournament starts in fifteen. You promised you'd watch me crush Jason."

"I can't go out there looking like a literal Cheeto," Maya groaned.

"Sis, you're being dramatic. Your hair literally slaps."

Maya cracked the door open, just enough to glare. "You're literally just saying that because you want me there."

"I'm saying it because it's true, and also yes, I want emotional support. Jason's been talking mad game all week."

Fine. Maya grabbed her backpack and followed Chen toward the gym, dodging seventh graders in the hallway. At least the tournament meant less time being stared at.

The padel court was packed. Maya positioned herself in the back corner, hoodie up, casually dying inside. That's when she saw it—something flash across the gym

like lightning. But outdoors? And, like, not actual weather?

Her curiosity got the better of her. Maya slipped toward the side exit, following the glimpse of movement she'd caught. Outside, behind the equipment shed, someone was crouched with a phone angled toward

the court.

"Spy much?" Maya called before she could think better of it.

The figure jumped—literally jumped—and whirled around. Jason. Star of the padel team. Also currently holding his phone like he'd been

recording something.

"What?" he sputtered. "No, I wasn't—I was just—"

"Bro, you're literally holding your phone toward the court." Maya crossed her arms. "What's up with that?"

Jason's shoulders slumped. "Fine. I was recording Chen's serve. It's ridiculous good, and I keep getting toasted by it. I was trying to figure out

her technique."

Maya blinked. "That's actually kinda sweet? In a weird way?"

"Don't tell her. She'll never let me live it down."

"Your secret's safe with me." Maya paused. "If you tell me my hair doesn't look completely tragic."

Jason actually laughed. "It's bold, Maya. Like, really bold. But you're pulling it off. Honestly."

She smiled despite herself. Maybe orange hair wasn't the end of the world. And maybe—just maybe—eighth period wasn't going to be so bad after all.