Anna bit her lower lip nervously before answering. "I... I don't know," she said honestly. "It's complicated." She took a deep breath and then continued, "But I want to figure it out. And I want to do that with you." There was an awkward silence as they both processed her words. Finally, Luke smiled softly and reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"Me too," he said quietly. "I feel the same way."

As we continued talking and getting to know each other better, I realized that my feelings for Luke were more than just platonic. He was someone who made me feel safe and happy, and I knew I wanted to explore those emotions further with him. And as it turned out, he felt the same way about me. It was a relief to finally be honest with each other and see where things could go from there.

Of course, being slightly drunk didn't hurt either.

You're the one who can't even tell the difference between regular glasses and magical ones, so I think it's safe to say you are, Abhi. Now if there's nothing else, I really need to go. See ya around! She waves goodbye and walks away with a smirk

Well, aren't you just the little drama queen? Fine, fine. I'll stay for a while longer. So what do you want to talk about, Abhi?

"She gave me this collar as a symbol of our relationship," I continue, gesturing to the leather band encircling my neck. "It represents ownership...and love. I wanted to show you that I've found someone special, someone who accepts me for who I am."

My dad steps forward, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Ownership?" he repeats, his tone disapproving. "Love doesn't involve owning someone, Emily! This is just plain creepy!"

I flinch at his words, feeling a pang of hurt, but I force myself to stay strong. "

"I know it seems strange to you right now," I admit, "but trust me, this is exactly what I want. Alex hasn't done anything to coerce me into this - I chose it willingly because it makes me happy."

Alex speaks up then, her voice clear and confident. "Emily is absolutely right," she says, stepping forward to stand beside me. "Her happiness is all that matters to me, and if wearing this collar brings her joy, then I am more than happy to provide it for her."

Thanks, Onandy! You're so nice to me. Maybe there is hope for this school after all...