You didn’t expect to be here.

Seven people, one massive three-story mall, and somehow you were walking right beside Jesse — like it was normal. Like your heart wasn’t trying to beat its way out of your chest.

The automatic doors slid open, letting in the echo of laughter, music blasting from random stores, and the overwhelming buzz of people everywhere. The mall was huge — escalators crisscrossing floors, glass railings, lights reflecting off polished tile. It felt like too much, but at the same time… exciting.

Jesse walked with his hands tucked into the sleeves of his hoodie, his usual hat pulled low, headphones resting around his neck like always. He was half-listening to Calvin, who was rambling on about which floor had the best food, while Maddox and Tristan argued behind you about going to the arcade first. Matt and Jude were already drifting toward a sneaker store, laughing about something you missed.

And then there was Calvin — walking just a little too close to you, grinning like he knew something you didn’t.

“So,” he said casually, glancing between you and Jesse, “you two calling again tonight or what?”

You nearly tripped.

Jesse froze for half a second, then coughed quietly, adjusting the strap of his headphones. “Calvin,” he muttered, ears turning red.

You felt your face heat up too, suddenly very aware of how close Jesse was standing. Close enough that you could smell his laundry detergent. Close enough that if he moved his arm even slightly, you’d bump into him.

“We— we just talk,” you said quickly, trying to sound normal. “About stuff.”

“Yeah,” Jesse added, a little faster than usual. “Life. Music. Her cats.” He glanced at you. “She has four, by the way. It’s insane.”

“Hey,” you protested softly. “Miley, Lucy, Lupen, and Taco are angels.”

He smiled — not big, but real. The kind of smile he only ever showed when he felt comfortable. “Sure they are.”

It still felt unreal sometimes — that you were here. That you were friends now. That after liking him quietly for so long, after watching him in hallways in eighth grade without ever saying a word, you were now someone he FaceTimed every night. Someone who saw him without his hat. Someone who reminded him to eat and listened when his anxiety crept in late at night.

You glanced at him again, heart doing that stupid fluttery thing.

Larissa was gone now. Still lingering sometimes, still talking to him in passing, but the space she left behind felt… open. Uncertain. Like something new could grow there — if either of you were brave enough.

“Food court’s on the third floor,” Calvin announced, already heading for the escalator. “And Jesse needs food. Don’t think I didn’t notice he skipped lunch again.”

You immediately turned to Jesse, narrowing your eyes. “You skipped lunch?”

He sighed, defeated. “I wasn’t hungry.”

“You never are,” you said gently, not mad — just concerned. “You’re eating today.”

Calvin pumped his fist. “See? This is why you’re perfect for him.”

“CALVIN,” Jesse groaned, pulling his hoodie tighter as everyone laughed.

But as you stepped onto the escalator together, shoulder brushing his, you noticed something new.

Jesse didn’t move away.

And for the first time, walking through a crowded mall surrounded by noise and people, you didn’t feel invisible anymore.