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ng after the big night?""Who was he?" I asked, cutting straight to the point. I wasn't in the mood for small talk.Jackson's smile faltered slightly, and he tilted his head. "Who?""The guy you brought to my party," I clarified, trying to keep the edge out of my voice. "The one who said he was invited by you. What's his name?""Oh, you mean Austin?" Jackson replied, his tone casual. "Yeah, he's a cool guy. Just transferred here not too long ago.""Austin," I repeated, the name finally giving shape to the face that had haunted my thoughts. "Thanks, Jackson."I didn't wait for his response before turning on my heel and heading down the hall. I needed to find Mel, to apologize for being so wrapped up in my own head yesterday and to make sure she was okay.I found her by her locker, her face buried in a textbook. "Mel, I'm sorry about yesterday," I said, my voice soft. "I was trying to be a good friend, but I know I might have pushed too hard."Mel looked up from her book, her expression softening. "No, Amy, it's not your fault. I was the problem. I shouldn't have stormed off like that. I just... I haven't been myself lately.""I get it," I said, nodding. "You've been through a lot. I just want you to know I'm here for you, no matter what."She gave me a small, grateful smile, and for a moment, it felt like everything was okay between us again. But then I couldn't resist asking, "So, what did you think of that guy at the party? Austin?"Instantly, Mel's expression darkened. She shut her locker with more force than necessary. "I don't want to talk about him. He's not worth my time."Before I could press further, I noticed Mel's body tense as she glanced over my shoulder. I followed her gaze and saw Austin walking down the hallway, his stride confident, his presence commanding attention without even trying.Mel turned away abruptly, burying her face in her locker as if trying to disappear. She walked off without another word, leaving me standing there, watchi