After class, Anastasia excitedly went over to find Marcus in the hallway in the red area of the hallway. The hallways were separated by social groups or grades. Anastasia thought it was an unique way to do things, but she liked it. It made the halls a little less chaotic. "Marcy!" She grins at him as she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Guess what?" She asked, her tone filled with excitement.

Marcus laughs, stumbling back slightly at the sudden hug, but he still didn't hesitate to hug her back. He always loved her hugs. "What is it, Stas?" He asked, curious as to why she was so excited.

"I figured out what my design needs! I can't wait to get started." She pulls back, her eyes sparkling with joy and excitement. "I was having trouble with it, it was like writers block but for fashion. And then Ms. Schroder gave me some advice and it just hit me, Marcy! I know what the outfit needs now. And I can't wait to make it." She rambles, clearly happy and thrilled about finishing the sketch for her outfit. She pauses and grimaces when she realized she didn't greet the other two boys there. "Oh, sorry, guys. Hi!" She greets, smiling at the two of them. "How are you guys?"

Marcus' friends chuckle, looking amused by her enthusiasm and joy. "Hey, Anastasia. No worries. We're good as we can be." One replied, smiling reassuringly at her. Anastasia nodded and smiled back at the two boys. 

"That's good! Okay, well, I'm gonna head to my locker, but I'll see you guys later." Anastasia smiled at the group, glancing back at Marcus before heading off. She had to hurry to her locker, since she had a class next period, but she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. She couldn't wait to start on her design, and she had a feeling this was going to be one of her best projects yet.

"I can't believe how much energy that girl has. Kinda gives me a headache with how enthuiastic she is. I don't know how you handle her all the time. I'd get a migraine." Another one of his friend's commented as soon as Anastasia was gone.

Marcus rolls his eyes, not liking that his friend was badmouthing his best friend. "She's my best friend and I enjoy her company. Plus, I like how enthusiastic she is. It's cute."

"Hey, chill dude. It was just a comment." His friend said, putting his hands up.

"A rude comment." Marcus muttered in annoyance, glancing over at Anastasia.

His other friend smirks at him and crosses his arms. "You're so whipped. It's pretty obvious." He teased.

"Shut up and go to class." Marcus grumbled, shoving one of his friends playfully. He glanced back towards the direction Anastasia had gone, shaking his head with a small smile. Despite his friends' teasing, Marcus genuinely appreciated Anastasia's enthusiasm and energy. She had a way of making everything feel more vibrant and exciting. As he and his friends headed off to their next class, Marcus found himself thinking about the conversation he'd had with Anastasia. Her excitement was contagious, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement too. He couldn't wait to see the finished product.

Meanwhile, Anastasia hurried to her locker, her thoughts already on the next steps for her design. She felt a renewed sense of purpose and creativity. She couldn't wait to get started, and she knew this was going to be one of her best projects yet. As she did this, she noticed Ginny walking down the hallway with MAN. MAN otherwise known as Max, Abby, and Norah. She smiled and waved at them when she locked eyes with them as they walked by.  While she was close with the girls, she was more close with Marcus. With MAN, she often felt left out and ignored, which was something she didn't like. But she tried her best not to let it get to her, especially since Ginny seemed so happy. 

So she kept the smile on her face as they walked by her. But when they were gone, her smile dropped, and she sighed as she turned back to her locker. It wasn't her place to say anything, and she didn't want to ruin Ginny's happiness. She understood that Ginny was trying to make the friendship work, she was new to the place and trying to make friends, but Anastasia still wasn't the biggest fan of MAN. Well, she liked hanging out with the three girls, just not when they're all together. 

After she was done at her locker, she turns and walks away, only to accidentally bump into someone. "Ow! Sorry." She gasped, looking up. She blinked, surprised seeing Lance's handsome face. Her face flushed and her heart fluttered when he sent her a look of adoration and slight amusement.

Lance chuckles, holding her steady. "No, it's okay. I was actually meaning to bump I to you 'cause I missed you." He admits with a sheepish expression, earning a fond smile and a blushing face from Anastasia, but then it fell and she looks down with a sigh. "You look upset. What's wrong?" He asked, his tone turning concerned as he gazed at her with a frown.

Anastasia shakes her head, smiling weakly at him. "It's nothing. I'm okay, Lance. Just a little annoyed is all. I'll be fine."

He wasn't convinced. "Was it about MAN?" He asked, rolling his eyes at the name.

She sighs, nodding. "Yeah. Is it bad I feel upset Ginny is being friends with them?"

"The new girl?" Lance questions and Anastasia nods. "No, not at all. It's a natural reaction, Ana."

"I just don't want her to be left out. She's new and it's hard enough making friends. I want her to feel included." Anastasia said, frowning. "Unlike how I often feel when I'm hanging out with MAN. Well, it's more like they're hanging out and I'm just there. And I love hanging out with the girls individually, but as a group it's different. I feel like I'm not part of it, like I'm invisible. But I don't want to make a big deal out of it because I don't want to cause any drama. Ginny's just trying to fit in, and I get that."

Lance nods understandingly, his expression softening. His hands remain on her hips from when he helped steady her when they bumped into each other, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her skin under her shirt he had snuck under. "I get it, Anastasia. It sucks feeling left out, especially when it's your friends. But you shouldn't have to put up with feeling like that. You deserve to feel included too. Maybe you should talk to Ginny about it? She seems like the kind of person who would listen."

Anastasia hesitates, chewing on her lower lip. "I don't know...I don't want to come off as jealous or petty." Past Lance, she watches the group move over to the sophomore area of the school, specifically where a tree was at. A tree that the sophomores often called the berry tree. She couldn't help but feel envy about how close the group was and how it already seemed like Ginny was accepted into their inner circle. She didn't have a close group of friends like MAN. She only had a couple of close friends and mostly some acquaintances. And then, of course, can't forget her best friend, Marcus. But ever since she was little, she dreamt of having a close-knit group of friends like MAN, where everyone was inseparable and always had each other's backs. It was something she had always longed for, and seeing Ginny effortlessly blend in with them only made her feel more isolated.

Lance notices the wistful look in her eyes and gently turns her attention back to him. "Ana, you're one of the most genuine and caring people I know. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend. If MAN can't see that, then that's on them, not you. But you can't keep bottling up your feelings. It'll only make things worse in the long run."

Anastasia sighed, knowing he was right. But the thought of confronting Ginny — or anyone, for that matter — filled her with anxiety. She wasn't the type to stir the pot, and she definitely didn't want to come across as the jealous or petty type. She glances back at the berry tree, watching as the group chatted and laughed together. It was a bittersweet sight, and a familiar ache of longing settled in her chest. Despite her friendly, bubbly, and cheerful personality, she often found it hard to make friends. Thanks to her having anxiety and a tendency to overthink things, she often felt out of place in social situations. She knew that her anxiety sometimes made her feel more isolated than she actually was, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. It was easier for her to stay on the periphery, observing rather than fully participating. But with Ginny, it was different. She genuinely wanted to be close to her, to share in the kind of bond that MAN seemed to have.

Noticing her gaze, Lance sighs and steps back, grabbing her wrist instead. "Come with me." He gently tugged her through the hallway and when Anastasia recognized the route, she knew they were heading to their spot. She relaxed slightly at the thought, enjoying the feeling of his hand wrapped around her wrist.

Anastasia sighs and shakes her head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts swirling in her head. Lance was right, she couldn't let this get to her. But despite her attempts, the doubts continued to linger, nagging at the back of her mind. She follows Lance into the library and to the back secluded corner that they both enjoyed hiding away at. Once there, he sits down and tugs her into his lap. "Angel, I know that look. Talk to me. What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" He murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. He wrapped his arms around her, his embrace warm and comforting.

"I-I don't know..." Anastasia trails off, not sure how to explain her feelings. She sighs, leaning into him and resting her head on his shoulder. "I hate feeling like this." She mumbles, her hands fidgeting with Lance's leather jacket. "I'm happy for Ginny, I really am. She seems like a cool person, and I want her to feel welcome. I just...I can't help but feel a bit jealous." She admits softly, her gaze fixed on her hands. "It's silly, I know. Just forget about my stupid thoughts." She said, waving a dismissive hand.

Lance frowns, reaching up and gently taking her chin in his hand, making her look at him. "Anastasia, it's not stupid and it's not silly. Your feelings are valid and important. You have a big heart, angel, and that's one of the many things I love about you. You're a naturally caring and loving person. But sometimes, it's okay to put yourself first. You shouldn't have to put up with feeling like you're not a part of the group. It's not fair to you."

"I'm just afraid if I say something, I'll ruin everything. Ginny is trying to fit in and be a part of the group. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that." She explains, her tone laced with worry. "And the girls are my friends too. I don't want to risk our friendships."

Lance's expression softens, his grip on her chin relaxing. He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Anastasia, you're one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people I know. It's okay to be honest and tell your friends how you feel. I know it's scary, but I also know that they care about you and will listen. They may not even realize they're excluding you. You can't keep letting this eat away at you, angel. It's not good for you. You deserve to be a part of the group, to feel included and supported. And if they can't understand that, then maybe they aren't the right friends for you."

His words comforted her, and she couldn't help but lean in closer, burying her face in his chest. He was right, she couldn't let this consume her. She needed to be honest with her friends, to tell them how she was feeling. It was the only way to resolve the situation and find a solution. And deep down, she knew that the girls would listen and would want to make things right.

"Thank you, Lance." She whispers, her voice muffled against his chest. "I love you."

"I love you too, Anastasia." He murmured, wrapping his arms around her.

They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the closeness and comfort of each other's presence. Despite her worries, Anastasia felt better after talking to Lance. He always seemed to know exactly what to say to make her feel better. She knew that things wouldn't be resolved overnight, but she felt hopeful that she would be able to talk to her friends and resolve the situation.

"So, what's been going on with you, rockstar?" Anastasia asks, pulling away from him, her mood slightly improved. "How's the music going?"

Lance sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It's going...I guess. Me and my band has just been playing these not so great venues. But it's something, right?" He tried to smile, but she could tell it was forced.

She frowns, reaching up and gently cupping his cheek. "Hey, it'll get better. You guys are amazing. One day you're gonna be so famous and playing arenas. You're a star, Lance. It's just a matter of time before the whole world knows that."

Lance's face softens, his smile more genuine now. He reaches up and places his hand over hers, squeezing it. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, angel. But sometimes, I'm not so sure."

Anastasia rolls her eyes, poking his cheek. "Nuh-uh, don't think like that. I believe in you, rockstar. And one day, the whole world will too. Until then, I'm gonna be your biggest fan and cheer you on."

Her words touched him and he couldn't help but lean in and capture her lips in a passionate kiss. His hand moves to cup the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair. She kissed him back eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck. She felt her anxiety ease and she couldn't help but relax into his touch. Lance's kisses always had a way of making her forget her troubles, and she relished in the feeling of being wrapped up in his arms.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing heavily, their cheeks flushed. Lance rests his forehead against hers, a content smile on his lips. "You're amazing, angel. I'm gonna take you out on a date tonight. That is if you don't have plans." He quickly added, not wanting to assume.

"I don't have any plans. I would love to go on a date with you." She said, smiling shyly. "Any ideas on where you're gonna take me?" She asked curiously.

"Well, that's for me to know and for you to find out, angel." He smirks, pressing another kiss to her lips. "But I can guarantee that it'll be special. I'll pick you up around seven, okay?"

"Okay." She grinned, her face flushing as her heart fluttered. Even after all the times he'd taken her out on dates, she still felt the same sense of excitement and anticipation. Lance always managed to make her feel special, and she loved the way he looked at her. He made her feel beautiful and important, and she cherished their time together.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, they both reluctantly pulled away from each other. "I'll see you later, rockstar." She murmured, her cheeks still flushed.

"See you later, angel." He said, grinning as he leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. When they broke apart, she could see the slight hesitation and worry on his face. He reaches out, grabbing her hand and squeezing it. "Promise me you'll talk to them, Anastasia. Don't let this eat away at you." He knew her well enough to know that she was prone to overthinking things and worrying too much.

Anastasia smiles softly, nodding. "I promise, Lance." She squeezed his hand, her gaze conveying her sincerity.

"Good." He said, pressing one more quick kiss to her lips before pulling away. "Have a good rest of the day, angel. I'll see you tonight."

"I can't wait." She murmured, her heart fluttering at the thought of their date. With a smile, she turned and walked out of the library. As she did, she made a mental note to talk to the girls about her feelings, and she felt a sense of relief at the thought. Lance was right, it would be better to get things out in the open, and she was confident that the girls would listen and want to resolve the situation.