The Zombie Squad

Maya dragged herself into third period, feeling like a total zombie after staying up until 3 AM finishing her bio project. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, matching the fog in her brain.

"You look rough," whispered Jordan, sliding into the seat beside her. "Rough night?"

"Rough doesn't even cover it." Maya massaged her temples. "I think I saw actual zombies outside my window this morning."

Jordan snorted. "That's just called going to school before 8 AM, babe."

The classroom door creaked open, and suddenly Maya felt weirdly awake. Riley walked in—cool, confident Riley, who everyone said was a total fox with their effortless style and smooth sarcasm. They caught Maya's eye and offered a tiny, genuine smile that made her stomach do gymnastics.

"Did Riley just smile at you?" Jordan hissed. "Because your face is literally glowing right now."

"Shut up," Maya whispered, but she couldn't stop grinning.

Then Chelsea swept past Riley's desk, dropped her notebook with dramatic flair, and bent to pick it up in a move so calculated it was practically studied. Classic cat behavior—Chelsea had been marking her territory around Riley since freshman year.

Maya's phone buzzed. Unknown number: *Hey, saw your Instagram post about the bio project. Want to study together later?*

"OMG," Jordan gasped, reading over Maya's shoulder. "Is that WHO I think it is?"

Maya's hands trembled as she typed back. The zombie fog had lifted completely. Sometimes exhaustion was just the beginning of everything interesting.