Three sets of footsteps echoed against the chipped tile floor of Pensly Junior High, moving much faster than the hall monitor would allow. The trio navigated the maze of hallways with the ease of seasoned students, passing the cafeteria and gymnasium in a blur before arriving at their destination: Principal Poggins' office, widely considered the dullest place in the entire school.

Julia, the tallest and the only eighth grader in the group, reached for the doorknob. Her fingers twitched on the cool metal, but the door remained shut.

“Come on, I can’t wait any longer,” pleaded Victor, bouncing on the balls of his feet with the impatience of someone desperate to leave. Over winter break, his once smooth, tan skin had become rough, dotted with red bumps.

Julia swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. She was no better than her anxious vice president beside her. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the doorknob, trying to steady her nerves. In the distance, the sound of the janitor’s mop striking the floor echoed faintly.

A smaller hand rested on hers—an unexpected gesture of reassurance—until Julia noticed the door swinging open. She let out a startled yelp and turned to the culprit, eyes wide.

Landry shrugged, batting her eyes innocently.

“You’re the student council president, Jules. Have more grit,” the blonde said, her voice carrying the commanding tone reserved for Pensly Junior High’s cheer captain.

Landry stepped through the doorway first, followed by Victor and a trembling Julia. Julia had never been summoned to the principal's office on a whim before; their meetings were always scheduled. And why was Landry here? She wasn’t even part of the student council.

They must be in trouble. It was the only explanation Julia could think of, the only reason why all three of them would be here. She picked at the skin under her fingernails, biting her lip. Any second now, they’d be sitting in front of Principal Poggins’ desk, getting scolded for who knows what.

“Look, I didn’t ask to be picked. None of us did,” Victor muttered, his fingers trembling against the hem of his shirt. “But we just have to go in there and hope Principal Poggins isn’t mad at us.”

“Huh?” Julia murmured, unsure of what he meant.

“Are you guys serious? You don’t remember?” Landry asked, hands on her hips as she glanced between Julia and Victor, gauging their reactions. It was clear neither of them had a clue. “We’re here to discuss ideas for the _spring dance_. We made the PowerPoint last week! Ring a bell?”

Julia’s eyes widened in realization, her mind flooding with memories of brainstorming sessions filled with themes like “Under the Sea” and “Masquerade Ball.” How could she have forgotten?

Landry huffed and rolled her eyes, stepping boldly into Principal Poggins' office. Julia and Victor exchanged nervous glances before following, unprepared but with no other choice.