The Colors in Their Eyes

Mariza walked through the hallway of Kingston High, her turquoise-streaked hair catching the morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Students passed by, their eyes revealing secrets that everyone could read like open books.

"Hey Mariza!" called Teto, jogging up with her short pink hair bouncing. Her pupils had turned black and red when she spotted Mariza.

"Morning, Teto." Mariza smiled, noticing how Teto's eye color had changed. Her own pupils remained their usual white, showing she could like anyone.

Near the lockers, Miku stood with her long teal pigtails, her purple pupils fixed on Neru. But Neru's eyes stayed their normal yellow color as she talked to Miku, not showing any romantic feelings back.

Teto moved closer to Mariza. "Want to sit together at lunch?"

Mariza nodded, feeling warmth spread through her chest. Something felt different today, like change was coming to their small group of friends.

Messages and Water Spills

At lunch, Mariza and Teto found a quiet table by the windows. Teto's black and red pupils sparkled as she opened her lunch box.

"I brought extra cookies," Teto said, sliding the container toward Mariza.

"Thanks." Mariza smiled and took a bite. The chocolate chips melted on her tongue.

Across the cafeteria, Miku sat alone, her purple pupils dim as she watched Neru laugh with other friends. Neru's yellow eyes stayed unchanged, showing no romantic feelings for anyone.

"Miku looks sad," Mariza whispered.

Teto glanced over. "Maybe she'll figure out that Neru doesn't like her back."

Just then, Miku's phone buzzed. She read the message and her face went pale. She stood up quickly, knocking over her water bottle, and rushed out of the cafeteria.

"That was weird," Teto said.

Mariza felt a strange chill run down her spine. Something about Miku's panicked expression bothered her, but she couldn't figure out what.