Chapter Text
"This walk to class would be more pleasant if you'd actually speak to me," Penelope huffs, and her breath hits Hope's cheek, who sidesteps so that there are three feet of space between them. The arched hallway is barely big enough, and Penelope rolls her eyes as Hope quickens her pace. It's too early for this, and if Penelope has to see Josie on her lunch break and tell her that Hope is still mad at her, she's not sure she could withstand her pout of disappointment. "I'm sorry I said I was the cool one, okay?"
"I don't think you are," Hope bites out. "I know you're only apologizing because you don't want Josie to be mad at you."
"I just don't want both of you to be mad at me at the same time. I only have so much energy."
Hope sighs, long and loud. "So? Why is that my problem?"
"Because I like you too," Penelope blurts out, crossing her arms over her chest. "You have to know that by now. It's why I keep putting up with you."
Hope's perfectly shaped eyebrows raise in surprise. "As romantic as that is, I'm not convinced you're doing this for me. Tell Josie that we're fine. We'll just have to pretend to get along."
And with that, she leaves. Literally evaporates into thin air, so Penelope couldn't follow her even if she wanted to.