Judith
``—

It was pretty early in the morning, but Mel was up anyway. The night before had been her 17th birthday, and by all accounts it *Had* Been wonderful, with cake from Owen and a present from her family, but there was one thing missing.

June.

But that was okay. Her plans with June were for today - and she did have plans! It was going to be amazing. She had wanted it to be a surprise, and apparently June had a surprise for her too. She couldn't wait.

In the early hours of morning, the central station was quiet - most commuters at this hour much preferred to go by car, so the road outside was bustling while the buses left empty. That was just fine, though - Mel was waiting for someone to arrive, not leave. 

So she waited. A gumball machine in the corner of her eye tempted her, but she didn't have change for it, so she quietly let it go. And waited.

June would be there any minute now.
Pauline
With a click, June shoved their phone deep into the small pink bag that was swung over their shoulder. They bounced out their door, shoved it closed with their giant platform shoe, and nearly fell over in the process. The excitement that bubbled in their chest felt like a confetti popper ready to burst, they couldn't wait to see her.

It didn't take long for June to reach the agreed location. Their long legs and fast walking pace carried them quick to destinations. June loved being out and about. 

After a few moments, June slowed their pace and scanned the crowd with dark eyes. The buzz and hum of conversation carried across the streets as people moved along with their daily lives. June stood out like a vandalized traffic cone covered in stickers. They of course, didn't care. Mel was what they were here for, not the opinions of strangers. 

A small blonde figure sitting on a bench caught June's eye, and they lit up with joy. They tried to avoid running over to Mel, but their pace was quick. They weren't exactly the kind of person you'd *Love* To see running at you, especially with their height and muscular frame. If it wasn't for all the hearts and sparkles decorating their clothes, June would be incredibly intimidating. 

"Hello! Hi!" June called out. The same cherry-picked smile that dusted powdered sugar and glitter around them in lively bursts remained stationary on their features. Their voice was hyper and excitable, a tad *Too* Excited in places. Explainable by the fact it was their best friend's birthday! What was there not to be excited about? 

"Happy Birthday!" June reached Mel, and pulled her into a hug. The height difference made June lift the other off the ground slightly, but they let go quick enough.
Judith
— paused for mental health reasons —