Thanks to everyone so far for your comments. To answer your questions and address some of your comments:(posted 8736 days ago)The lens is a 35mm/f3.5 (at about f5.6) on a Pentax 645. I usually don't crop, but I thought the square worked better on this one (I cut off part of the RHS).
I consider the real subject to be the girl on the right; the girl in front is there to provide some offbeat framing (pretentious, I know, but I gotta have some fun) and emotional contrast.
I rather like the lighting: it's quite flat on the girl in front (with the flat affect) but clearly defines the features of the subject.
I'm not trying to argue with any of you or invalidate your opinions; I genuinely do appreciate your feedback. It helps me to understand how others perceive (or don't perceive) what I'm trying to convey. I'm just presenting my perspective (in words).