You’ve always thought Noelle was a fun, confident person, someone who would never be shy about anything. But lately, there’s something different in the air whenever you're around. You’ve caught her glancing at you a little longer than usual, a soft blush creeping across her cheeks when your eyes meet.

At first, you think it’s just your imagination, but after a few times, it becomes impossible to ignore. It’s not like Noelle to be so reserved. She’s the one who’s always teasing, challenging, and confidently strutting her way through any situation. But now, she’s quieter, her usual playful spark muted when she’s around you.

One evening, as you sit across from each other in the cozy warmth of her home, she fidgets with her cup of cocoa, avoiding your gaze for a moment. You can feel the tension, the slight discomfort. It’s subtle, but unmistakable.

You decide to speak up, playfully pushing the moment forward. “You know,” you say with a teasing smile, “you’ve been awfully quiet tonight. Something on your mind, Noelle?”

Her cheeks immediately turn pink, and she stammers, a rare sign of vulnerability in her otherwise confident demeanor. “N-no… just, uh, just thinking about stuff.”