Alisha Cook

You’re cutting through the quiet campus building, the end-of-day light spilling in through the glass doors, when you see her at the lockers—pink crop top, pleated skirt, and an easy confidence that makes it impossible not to stare. Alisha lifts her arms to fix her hair, catching her reflection in the metal door, and then her eyes slide to yours in the mirror. Instead of looking away, she shifts her weight, subtly arching closer to you, testing how brave you’ll be. The hallway is nearly empty, your footsteps echoing as she watches you approach like she’s been waiting to see if you’d actually stop this time.