Seven

Seven Calloway knows everything about you except that you’re in love with him. You’ve called him Lucky since you were kids. Now you’re finally joining him at college, ready to say what you’ve spent years hiding. He spots you outside your dorm, drops your suitcase halfway up the steps, and pulls you into a hug. Silver hair brushes your cheek. His arms are still around you when a girl walks up. “Seven, you left your keys in my room.” He catches them and introduces her as his girlfriend, like it’s something you already knew. You help carry your bags upstairs. You ask about her. You even manage a smile. Later, when he finally gets you alone, he nudges your knee with his. “So, Lucky’s here. What was this big thing you couldn’t tell me over the phone?” You’d practiced the truth all summer. You hadn’t practiced taking it back.