"Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die." — Carrie Fisher
The gym vibrated with music, shouts, and the echo of sneakers.
Vivian, of course, reigned like a queen—glitter, perfect ponytail, and that unshakable smile of someone who's never doubted her reflection.
Her friends surrounded her, echoing her laughter like a trained choir.
"Did you see how Dylan smiled at her today?" whispered one.
"Yes, he totally likes her," another replied.
And that was all it took. Vivian's ego inflated like a fairground balloon.
Meanwhile, Ailín was on the other side of the gym, trying not to die of exhaustion during volleyball practice.
She jumped, spun, focused.
She tried to keep her mind on the ball, but every time she felt Dylan's gaze, the air tangled in her chest.
That's when she heard the familiar, mocking voice.
"He's looking at you again. But don't worry, I'm sure he's just thinking you look like a scared potato with a ponytail."
"Shut up, Oscurita."
"Hey, I'm only trying to help you manage expectations," said the shadow, lounging on her shoulder. "No one wants another existential crisis before turning twenty, right?"
Ailín rolled her eyes, trying to ignore her, but Oscurita had mastered the art of sounding like a mix between a conscience and a late-night comedy show.
…
Among the cheerleaders, gossip fermented.
"I think that volleyball girl keeps trying to run into Dylan," one said venomously.
Vivian raised an eyebrow.
"Her?"
"Yeah. They say he looks at her a lot."
And just like that, without realizing it, a tiny cold war began.
…
Days later, Ailín started noticing the looks.
The whispers that died when she walked by.
The greetings that vanished into thin air.
"Wow, instant popularity," Oscurita said. "Didn't know making others insecure was your new hidden talent."
"I haven't done anything…" Ailín murmured.
"Exactly. And yet you make people uncomfortable. That, my dear, is a superpower."
Ailín wanted to laugh, but something inside her shrank.
Oscurita noticed.
"Hey, don't take it so literally. I'm just saying the world gets nervous when someone doesn't play by the same rules. You're… different."
"Different in a bad way or a good way?"
"Different in an interesting way. They just don't know how to label you, and that confuses them."
Sometimes, amid all the irony, Oscurita would drop a truth that hurt beautifully.
…
After practice one afternoon, Ailín was alone in the showers.
Warm water fell on her shoulders, washing away thoughts and sweat alike.
Then Oscurita's blurry reflection appeared in the steamy mirror, striking a dramatic pose.
"You know what I love about steam?" she said in a diva tone. "It hides flaws. We should live in a cloud."
"I don't have flaws," Ailín joked, tired.
"Hahaha. Of course not. And I have Beyoncé's self-esteem."
Ailín laughed for the first time that day.
It wasn't much, but it helped.
"Don't let them define you, okay?" Oscurita added softly. "If someone has a problem with you, it's probably because they can't be you."
"Thanks, I guess."
"Don't thank me. I'm literally you—just with better humor."
…
Meanwhile, Dylan was confused.
Practice didn't feel the same.
His friends noticed.
"Are you in love or something?" they teased.
He shrugged. "I don't know… but there's something about her I can't stop looking at."
From the stands, Andrea smiled tenderly.
…
The rumors grew until they reached Dylan's ears.
When he learned what Vivian was saying, he went straight to find her.
"Vivian, don't hurt Ailín for something that isn't her fault."
She stared at him, stunned.
"Are you saying you like her?"
"Yes," he said simply.
Under the gym lights, Vivian's reign began to crack.
…
That afternoon, Ailín found Dylan waiting outside her dorm.
The sunset bathed everything in orange, as if the world had lowered its volume.
"Can I walk with you?" he asked.
"Sure," she said, pretending to sound calm.
They walked in silence.
Even Oscurita stayed quiet.
Ailín frowned mentally.
"Are you still there?"
"Shhh," the voice replied, soap-opera dramatic. "I'm enjoying this. It's not every day I witness an episode of Shy Girl and Handsome Boy with Unresolved Emotional Tension."
Ailín bit back a smile.
When they reached the building, Dylan said goodbye with a look louder than words.
Inside, Ailín leaned against the door and sighed.
"Well," whispered Oscurita, "congratulations. You survived high school drama without becoming a meme."
"Thanks, I guess."
"And don't worry, I'm not leaving yet. Every heroine needs her sarcastic shadow."
Ailín laughed softly, her eyes shining.
For the first time, her shadow didn't weigh her down.
It was uncomfortable, yes—
but it was hers.
"And by the way, your hair survived the humidity. Miracles do exist."