It started with the little things. Jesse holding your backpack between classes, standing outside your locker like your personal bodyguard. Pulling your chair out in the choir room, handing you your favorite drink without asking.

You teased him about it at first. “You know I have hands, right?”

He just smiled like the world belonged to him—and you were the only thing he cared about. “Sure, but mine are prettier.”

The truth was, you liked it. The way he treated you like you were something rare, like every hallway you walked down was a red carpet and he was just lucky to be beside you.

And today? Today was extra.

You spotted him outside the auditorium during lunch, waiting with a smug smile and a single rose.

You raised a brow. “Seriously?”

He bowed—actually bowed—and handed it over. “For the most beautiful person in this entire miserable high school.”

You tried not to grin. “What did you do?”

“Nothing,” he said innocently. “Can’t I just spoil my incredibly talented, dazzlingly gorgeous partner?”

“You forgot ‘modest.’”

“That too.” He linked your fingers, walking you into the auditorium. On stage, there was a picnic blanket, two drinks, and a glittery card with your name on it.

“You planned this?”

He sat down like it was the most natural thing in the world. “We’ve been running on fumes with rehearsals. Figured you deserved a break.”

You sat beside him, heart full. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe.” He leaned in, brushing his lips against your temple. “But you make me want to be.”

You blushed. Hard.

He took your hand again, eyes shining. “You’re my star, you know that?”

You shook your head, laughing. “You’re the one who lives for the spotlight.”

“I do,” he said. “But only when you’re in it too.”