The restaurant buzzed with noise from the indoor pickleball courts, music playing overhead while people laughed and shouted over games. Servers rushed between tables carrying trays of burgers, fries, and drinks beneath bright neon lights.

Tim barely noticed any of it.

Because Bernard Dowd was working tonight.

“You’ve been staring at him for twenty minutes,” Cassie said from across the booth.

Tim looked up immediately. “I have not.”

“You literally stopped talking when he walked by,” Conner added.

Bart grinned. “Dude, you’ve got it bad.”

Tim rolled his eyes, though the slight blush on his face ruined the effect. Across the restaurant, Bernard laughed at something one of his coworkers said while balancing a tray against his shoulder. The overhead lights caught against his blond hair as he moved easily through the crowded room.

Everyone at Gotham Heights knew Bernard. He talked to anyone without hesitation, always rambling about random theories or culinary experiments in class. Teachers loved him. Most students did too.

Tim definitely did.

“Just ask him out already,” Cassie said.

Tim nearly choked on his drink. “Absolutely not.”

“Why?” Bart asked dramatically. “He’s cute, smart, and clearly your type.”

Tim groaned. “Because Bernard talks to everyone. I doubt he’s interested in me.”

The second he said it, all three of them exchanged a look that instantly made Tim suspicious.

“No,” Tim warned.

Cassie shoved his empty cup toward him. “Go refill your drink.”

“That is the most obvious setup ever.”

“Just go,” Conner said, trying not to laugh.

Still suspicious, Tim grabbed his cup and headed toward the drink station.

The second he left, Bernard walked over with a basket of fries. “Here you guys go.” He glanced around. “Wait, where’s Tim?”

Cassie immediately smiled. “Funny story.”

Bart pointed toward the soda machines. “Tim has a crush on you.”

Bernard blinked once before looking toward Tim in the distance. A slow grin spread across his face.

“He does?”

Cassie nodded eagerly. “He’s been staring at you all night.”

Bernard laughed softly, pushing blond hair back from his forehead. “Well… that’s good to know.”

Bart leaned forward. “Why?”

Bernard’s smile widened. “Because I kinda have a crush on him too.”

The table exploded with excitement.

Before they could say anything else, Tim started walking back.

Bernard straightened slightly, confidence settling into his expression as he stepped away from the booth.

“Alright,” he said casually. “Guess I’ll make the first move.”