The Westbrook Mall buzzed with weekend energy, music drifting from various stores and mixing with the constant hum of conversation. Scarlett found herself trailing slightly behind her group, watching as her friends paired off with almost practiced efficiency. Sarah had somehow ended up walking beside Mark, their hands occasionally brushing as they walked, causing both to blush and look away. Josephine had claimed Jason's attention with questions about the upcoming basketball game, while Bella and David were deep in conversation about some Netflix show they both apparently loved.
"Wait, you watched the whole third season in one night?" Bella's laugh carried back to Scarlett. "I thought I was the only one who did that!"
"I couldn't stop," David admitted, running a hand through his dark hai
