The Papaya Incident

Maya's hair was supposed to be her statement piece for sophomore year. That was before she decided to try that viral TikTok hack involving papaya and coconut oil. Now she looked like she'd stuck her finger in an electrical socket, which was honestly not the vibe she wanted for the first football game of the season.

"You look... distinct," said Jordan, barely looking up from his phone as they met at the bus stop. He had that annoying older brother energy, even though they were the same age.

"Shut up, Jordan. It's temporary."

"Whatever you say. You ready for the party tonight?"

Maya's stomach did that thing it did whenever someone mentioned it — a twisty feeling that had nothing to do with breakfast. This would be her first high school party. First time seeing *him* outside of class. First time trying to exist in a social situation that wasn't carefully orchestrated by her overprotective parents.

Her mom had pressed a vitamin packet into her hand that morning. "For your immune system, mija. Parties are basically germ factories." The irony wasn't lost on her — her mom was worried about germs while Maya was worried about making a complete fool of herself in front of everyone who mattered.

The party was at Tyler's house. Tyler, who smiled at her in chemistry like she was actually funny. Tyler, who wore that orange hoodie every Friday and somehow still looked good. The same Tyler who Maya had been lowkey obsessed with since seventh grade but had barely said three words to.

The house was already vibrating when she arrived. People everywhere. Someone's older brother bull-headed through the crowd with a case of soda, which was somehow both impressive and terrifying. Maya stood near the wall, clutching her phone like it was a lifeline.

Then she saw him. Orange hoodie, perfect hair, laughing at something someone said. And then — he was looking at her. Actually looking.

"Hey!" he called over the music, weaving through people. "You're Maya from chem, right?"

She nodded, suddenly forgetting every English word she'd ever learned.

"Your hair looks cool," he said. "Like, actually cool. Not basic cool."

And just like that, the papaya disaster became a deliberate choice. Maya smiled, maybe for the first time all night. "Thanks. It's complicated."

"I bet." His grin was exactly as devastating up close. "Want to hang out by the snacks? I heard there's papaya somewhere, which is weird but also kind of amazing."

Maya laughed, and the twisty feeling in her stomach settled into something warmer. Maybe this year wouldn't be so bad after all.