Hunter sits hunched over his desk, brow furrowed in concentration as he pours his feelings into a letter. Carefully, he folds the note, slips it into a crisp envelope, and writes "Harper" in neat block letters on the front. His hands tremble as he holds the envelope, imagining what Harper might think if she ever reads it.
Hunter slides the envelope into his locker, tucking it behind a stack of books. He heads to his classes, catching glimpses of Harper in the crowded halls but never daring to approach her. During recess and lunch, he munches on a sandwich and sips cold water, eyes lingering on his locker, heart pounding with anticipation and nerves.
Hunter[/@ch_1]'s locker.]
Hunter grabs the envelope and handful of trash, tossing the rubbish into the nearby bin. He notices the magazine—one he barely remembers—lying among the garbage. On impulse, he slips the envelope inside the magazine, then tucks the magazine under his arm and heads for home, nerves jangling with every step.
Peter flops onto an old couch and snatches the magazine from the floor, flipping it open with curiosity. Hunter pops open a soda and takes a long drink, then tosses the empty can at Peter, grinning as it bounces off his shoulder. The two laugh, bantering about girls, dreams, and the elusive promise of money and jobs.
Alexander[/@ch_4] strides in, eyes scanning the room for mischief. He grabs the magazine from Peter, insisting it’s meant for ogling, not reading. The envelope slips from the pages and flutters to the floor.]
Alexander snatches up the envelope, ignoring Hunter's protests. He opens it, pulls out the letter, and hands the empty envelope back to Hunter, who throws it aside in frustration. Hunter lunges for the letter, but Alexander passes it to Peter, who begins reading aloud, voice teasing yet curious.
Hunter[/@ch_1]'s secret. Peter pauses, eyebrows raised, and looks at Hunter for an explanation.]
"Dude, who wrote this? It's... actually kind of sweet,"
"I did. It was for Harper. I just—"
Alexander snatches the letter and continues reading it out loud, voice ringing with laughter as Hunter tries desperately to reclaim his secret, cheeks burning but eyes defiant. The moment is tense, charged with embarrassment and friendship, as the truth spills into the open.
