Summer Storm Lightning

Leo pulled the beanie down tighter, knowing it looked ridiculous in July heat. But it covered the disastrous haircut he'd given himself after watching a TikTok tutorial at 2 AM.

"You look like a papaya trying to be emo," Fox said, falling into step beside him. She'd earned her nickname last year for somehow always dodging detention despite being the mastermind behind every senior prank.

"Ha ha," Leo deadpanned. "At least I'm not wearing crocs to homecoming."

"Touché." Fox grinned. "So, you gonna talk to Sofia or just stare at her across the cafeteria like a creep?"

Leo's stomach did that lightning thing again—fast, electric, terrifying. Sofia had transferred in three weeks ago with her perfect curls and mysterious accent and completely upended Leo's previously uncomplicated life.

"I don't know what to say," he admitted. "Hey, nice eyebrows? Thanks for sitting near me yesterday?"

"Oh my god, you're hopeless." Fox rolled her eyes so hard it looked painful. "Here's what you're gonna do: go to Jake's party tonight. Sofia will be there. You'll talk to her like a normal human being, not a bull in a china shop."

"A what?"

"You know, all awkward and destructive. Be smooth, Leo. Be cool."

Easier said than done. That evening, Leo found himself at the party, nursing a lukewarm soda while watching Sofia laugh at something Jake said. She was eating papaya from a fruit platter, and Leo had never wanted to be tropical fruit more in his life.

He took a breath, adjusted his stupid hat, and walked over.

"Hey," he managed. "That papaya looks good."

Sofia looked up, eyes bright. "Want to try? It's actually pretty great."

She held out a fork. Leo took it, tasting sweet and weirdly perfect.

"I'm Leo," he said, suddenly emboldened. "And I like your laugh."

Thunder cracked outside. Lightning flashed through the windows, illuminating everything for one perfect second—Sofia's smile, Jake's offended face, Fox giving him a thumbs-up from across the room.

Maybe the hat wasn't so bad after all.