This high school and its socially stratified dynamics were just another challenge to be endured as I solidified my cover identity. But they also reaffirmed how crucial it was for me to maintain firm boundaries. I couldn't afford to let the distractions of teenage drama and petty social politics derail me from my larger objectives.
Before I could even formulate a response, she was sauntering back to her seat, leaving me feeling equal parts flustered and deeply unsettled. High school dramas and silly flirtations from Felicia Hardy were the least of my concerns; if I couldn't even maintain a basic secret identity, there was no telling what threats could surface to derail my plans.