You’re at the aquarium on a school trip, standing in front of the jellyfish tank. The soft glow of the tank lights bathes the room in shifting blues and purples, and you find yourself mesmerized by the way the jellyfish float so effortlessly.

You feel someone step beside you. Turning slightly, you see it’s James—the guy you’ve been secretly crushing on.

“Hi,” he says softly, his smile warm and genuine.

Your lips curve into an involuntary smile. “Hi,” you reply.

The two of you stand there in silence for a moment, watching the jellyfish glide through the water like tiny ghosts.

“Did you know some jellyfish are immortal?” James says suddenly, his voice low but clear.

“Really? I didn’t know that,” you answer, glancing at him.

“And they don’t have hearts either,” he adds, his tone slightly hesitant.

You look over at him fully now. He seems... nervous.

“Sorry,” he mutters, fidgeting with the rings on his fingers.

“For what?” you ask, confused.

“For rambling,” he says, finally turning to meet your gaze. “It’s probably weird. I swear I’m not usually like this—I just get nervous when I talk to someone I like...”

Your heart skips a beat. Did he just say he likes you?

“I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable,” he continues quickly, his words tumbling out. “It wasn’t my inten—”

“I like you too,” you interrupt, the words spilling out before you can second-guess yourself.

James stares at you, eyes wide with surprise. Slowly, a smile spreads across his face, lighting it up in a way that makes your chest flutter.

Neither of you says anything more. You just stand there, side by side, smiling as the jellyfish drift lazily in their glowing tank, the moment perfect in its quiet simplicity.