The Friday Night Oracle

Maya's hair was doing that thing again — sticking up in the back like she'd stuck her finger in an electrical socket. She groaned at her bathroom mirror, spraying way too much dry spray until her dark curls looked vaguely presentable. Tonight was Jordan's party, and if there was one thing she didn't need, it was looking like a hot mess in front of everyone.

"You look stressed," said Kai, leaning against her doorframe with an orange soda in hand. "Also, your hair's fine. You always do this."

"Easy for you to say," Maya muttered. "You're not the one who has to navigate the pyramid scheme of high school popularity every weekend." She grabbed her backpack and checked her phone. Three texts from Jordan already.

"Okay, serious question," Kai said, setting down the soda and grabbing her hand. "Let me read your palm. I've been watching these mystic TikTok videos and I'm basically a sphinx now. Ask me your riddles."

Maya laughed but held out her hand. Her palm was sweaty — gross, but whatever. Kai traced the lines with mock seriousness, squinting like they were decoding ancient prophecy.

"Hmm... interesting," they said. "This line here means you're going to embarrass yourself tonight, but in a way that somehow makes people like you more. And this one? You're finally going to talk to Riley."

Maya's face burned. Riley, with the stupid perfect smile and the way they leaned against lockers like it was a photoshoot. Riley, who'd been in her history class since September and who Maya still couldn't make normal eye contact with.

"Shut up," she said, but she was grinning. "You're not even doing it right. That's not how palm reading works."

"The sphinx never reveals their secrets," Kai said solemnly. "Now let's go before we're late and Jordan starts without us."

The party was exactly what Maya expected: too loud, too many people, Jordan's basement smelling like too many bodies and cheap cologne. But then Riley was there, near the snack table, holding a cup of something bright orange.

They locked eyes across the room. Maya's heart did something embarrassingly gymnastic. She smoothed her hair, took a breath, and walked over.

"Hey," Riley said, and their smile was even better up close. "I like your hair."

Maya's palm was sweating again. But she smiled back, really smiled. "Thanks. I like your... everything."

She caught Kai's eye from across the room. They raised their orange soda in a toast. The sphinx was right. Some riddles solve themselves.