The Sphinx of Room 304

Maya's hair refused to cooperate that morning, which felt like a personal attack from the universe. She'd spent forty-five minutes trying to tame the frizzy rebellion into something approximating "effortlessly messy," but now she just looked like she'd survived a tornado. Her best friend Kai would definitely have something to say about it, probably something involving the phrase "hot mess express" followed by his annoyingly perfect laugh.

The Halloween party at Jordan's house was already in full swing when Maya arrived, costume-free because procrastination was her middle name apparently. She stood in the doorway, feeling like the most awkward person alive while everyone else looked amazing.

"You made it!" Kai materialized beside her, dressed as some kind of deranged teddy bear. "And you're... intentionally not wearing a costume? Very meta."

"I'm going as 'tired high school student,' it's very authentic," Maya deadpanned, smoothing her hopeless hair for the thousandth time.

Then she saw him.

Across the room stood Jordan's older brother, home from college for the weekend, dressed as a sphinx—complete with gold headdress and wings. Maya had had a crush on him since seventh grade, when he'd helped her find her lost dog during that neighborhood search party. Now he was laughing with some college friends, looking unfairly gorgeous and completely unattainable.

"You're staring again," Kai whispered, dramatically fanning himself. "It's giving obsession."

"Shut up, you're literally wearing a bear costume," Maya retorted, but her face was burning.

Then sphinx-boy looked up and caught her eye. Actually smiled. Started walking toward them.

"Oh my GOD he's coming over," Maya hissed. "Kai, do something, help me, my hair is a disaster—"

"Your hair looks fine, you drama queen," Kai whispered back. "Just breathe."

"Hey," said the sphinx, stopping in front of them. "I thought that was you, Maya. Nice costume."

"Costume?" Maya blinked. "Oh, I—"

"The 'cool enough not to try' look?" His eyes crinkled. "Classic."

And just like that, Maya didn't care about her hair, or her lack of costume, or the fact that Kai was making ridiculous hand gestures behind sphinx-boy's back. Sometimes the universe didn't hate you after all.