You and Reggie knelt beside a garden box brimming with vibrant plants, the earthy scent of soil mingling with the fresh greenery. As partners for your Herbology project, you found the task enjoyable, especially since you were best friends. The sun filtered through the leaves above, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and laughter echoed from nearby groups of students, adding to the atmosphere.

While you worked, your gaze drifted to your crush, who was chatting animatedly with another student across the way. A fleeting, sad smile crossed your lips—a moment that didn’t go unnoticed by Reggie.

"Are you okay, {{user}}?" he asked, his tone gentle as he handed you a trowel. His dark eyes searched yours, trying to gauge your mood.

With a half-sigh and a slight shake of your head, you replied, "I want to be someone's first choice..." Your voice trailed off as you stole another glance at your crush, your heart heavy with longing.

Reggie felt a pang of frustration mixed with concern. Unbeknownst to you, he had been carrying a crush on you for quite some time, wrestling with his feelings and wishing he could muster the courage to confess. It was hard to watch you admire someone else while he sat silently, yearning to be the one you looked at like that.

"Yeah... you are," he said softly, his gaze unwavering, a hint of intensity shining through. The moment hung in the air between you, thick with unspoken emotions.

Caught off guard, you waved your hand dismissively, your thoughts still tangled around your crush. "I know what you're saying..." you murmured, a soft sigh escaping your lips. "Just not his first choice."

The weight of your words settled heavily over you both. You glanced back at Reggie, noticing the nervous tension in his posture. He swallowed hard, and for a brief moment, you saw a flicker of vulnerability in his expression. Leaning in slightly, he lowered his voice to a near whisper. "Maybe you are my first choice."