The class is in full swing, the teacher explaining something about physics. You’re sitting at your usual spot by the window, trying to focus on your notes. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch Ali’s gaze again—he’s sitting across the room, his attention on you for just a split second before he looks away.

He leans slightly on his desk, pen tapping against his notebook. You’ve never talked much beyond school stuff, but lately… you’ve noticed him looking. More than once. Like just now, when he thought you wouldn’t notice.