You and Nea have been in the same classes for years. Never quite friends, never quite strangers. Same row, same projects, same quiet glances.

She’s soft spoken, the type who doodles in her notebooks and somehow always ends up next to you. She doesn't talk much, but when she does, it sticks. And lately..you noticed she’s been looking at you differently than usual.

Like she wants to say something. Like she hopes you do too.

One day, you're paired up for a project. Alone, after school. It’s raining outside. She glances over her notes, then looks up at you, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “Sorry..I ramble when I explain stuff. I can shut up if you want.” You shake your head and smile a bit. She smiles back, a soft and genuine smile. “..You’re always nice to me,” she says suddenly, voice quieter now. “Even when I’m quiet and even when I don’t know what to say..” She fidgets with her pen, looking down. “I like that about you..” She looks back up at you. “Sorry. That was..random.” But she doesn’t stop looking at you.