The Vitamin D Reality Check

Maya dragged herself into third period chem like a zombie, her brain fried from three hours of sleep and that AP History DBQ that refused to write itself. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, way too bright for someone running on iced coffee and desperation.

"You look like death," whispered Jenna, sliding into the seat beside her. "Did you even shower?"

"Shut up," Maya groaned, pulling her hoodie up. At least she'd remembered the orange vitamin C gummies this morning—her mom swore they were the only thing keeping her from getting sick before finals.

Then the new guy walked in.

Fox. That was actually his name—Fox something. He looked like he'd walked straight out of a curated Instagram feed, all vintage band tee and messy brown hair that definitely wasn't accidental. Everyone was obsessed. Even Jenna was practically vibrating.

But the weirdest part? Fox kept looking at HER.

"We need to talk," he said after class, catching her by her locker. He wasn't whispering. People were DEFINITELY staring.

Maya's heart did something stupid in her chest. "About what?"

"Your sketchbook," Fox said. "I saw you drawing in study hall. That zombie mermaid thing? That was sick."

She felt her face burn. "It's not—that's just dumb doodling—"

"It's not dumb," he said seriously. "I'm starting a graphic novel club. Meeting Friday after school. You should come."

The bell rang. He walked away like he hadn't just dropped a bomb on her entire social existence.

Friday came way too fast. Maya almost bailed three times. But when she walked into that classroom, Fox was there with orange soda and the most chaotic energy she'd ever witnessed.

"Perfect timing," he said, thrusting a sketchbook at her. "Show us your zombies. Let's make something weird."

For the first time in months, Maya didn't feel like she was sleepwalking through her own life. She picked up a pencil.

"Okay," she said. "But I'm drawing them with cowboy hats."

Fox grinned. "Obviously."

The维生素 supplements could wait. She'd found something better.