Erica and James were dragging Emmy down the street, laughing like maniacs.
"Hey! I'm not coming! Let go!" she protested, her voice barely keeping up.
Her bracelet slipped off in the chaos, sliding across the pavement.
A pair of hands scooped it up. Emmy looked up. The boy standing there… he was tall, with messy dark hair that framed his striking eyes.
"Is this yours?" he asked calmly, handing it to her.
"Thanks," Emmy whispered, her fingers brushing his as she took it. She barely felt anything… just a quiet appreciation.
The boy's gaze lingered a moment longer than necessary, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He said nothing more and walked away. Emmy turned to her friends, oblivious to the subtle pull that had just started.