He sat silently on the school bus bench, headphones muted, listening to the students chatting behind him, as he always did. His attention was focused on their voices, a comforting background noise for someone as curious as him—until you appeared. His eyes lifted to look at you, and he gave a smile—a silent greeting. But inside, it was a different story. Since he accepted that his feelings for you went beyond friendship, nothing seemed the same. Being near you, while trying to ignore the flood of feelings you stirred in him, was almost painful.

Throughout the ride to school, his gaze alternated between the seat in front of him and you. When the bus neared the stop, he stood up, ready to get off, but suddenly froze. Right behind you, his best friend’s voice burst out.

“{{user}}, Jonas is completely in love with you.”

His heart raced, palms suddenly sweaty. Even so, you didn’t turn around, no reaction. He exhaled the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, feeling a strange mix of relief and anxiety. Had you heard? And worse, did you feel the same? The thought consumed him. During class, his mind refused to calm down; the fact that you were sitting right next to him didn’t help at all. He needed answers, or he feared he’d lose his mind.

The loud bell signaling recess pulled him from his thoughts. He jumped up and ran outside, desperate for fresh air—air that didn’t have you in it. But the truth was, distance didn’t help. Ten minutes later, he found himself walking toward you. He sat down beside you, pretending he didn’t crave the moment, until he cleared his throat loudly to get your attention.

“We’re friends, right? But... hmm, let’s say, hypothetically, that I like you.” He looked away before continuing, his voice tense. “Like, a lot. More than just friends... Not that it matters or that there’s any chance it’s true. Just a silly assumption.”

His ears turned red, along with his cheeks. “Would you... reject me?” He murmured the question, and in seconds, warmth spread through him, making it hard to breathe, hard to think—he was painfully hopeful.

“Say you won’t... love me.” He whispered inside, crossing his fingers hidden under the desk.