Spinach Teeth Survival Guide

Maya's phone buzzed with three notifications from Kai: "DUDE. Check ur teeth. NOW."

She stared at her reflection in the cafeteria spoon, mortified. A massive, neon-green chunk of spinach had been camping between her front teeth through third period English, fourth period history, AND lunch with Skylar—the cute junior who'd actually smiled at her twice this week.

"I'm literally gonna die," she groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"Bro, it's not that deep," said Jordan, sliding into the seat across from her. "At least you didn't have spinach teeth during your presentation like freshman Dave. That's legendary cringe."

Maya's other best friend, Tasha, rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the reassurance, Jordan. Super helpful."

"I'm just saying!" Jordan held up their hands defensively. "Bro found out two weeks later. He's still recovering."

Maya's phone lit up again. This time from Skylar: "Hey! About what I said earlier... want to come over this weekend? My parents are gonna be gone and I was thinking we could—"

She froze. The spinach incident HAD been during her conversation with Skylar. Skylar had seen. Skylar had STILL asked her over.

"YOU GUYS," she whisper-shouted. "Skylar just invited me over and they DEFINITELY saw the spinach emergency."

Tasha's eyes widened. "Wait, THE Skylar? The one you've been lowkey obsessed with since September?"

Maya nodded, barely able to breathe. "And I literally cannot bear to face them again after this. I'm changed. I'm new. I'm spinach girl now."

"Spinach girl is kinda iconic though," Jordan pointed out. "Shows you eat your vegetables. Health conscious AND environmentally conscious? Win-win."

Tasha smacked Jordan's arm. "Stop. This is serious."

But Maya was already typing her response: "Yes! Absolutely! I'd love to!"

She hit send before she could overthink it. Because sometimes—embarrassing teeth moments and all—you just have to bear the awkwardness and go for what you want.

"So..." Tasha grinned. "Spinach girl's got a date?"

"Shut up," Maya laughed, feeling suddenly lighter. "But also... yeah."