High school was never really about academics for You. Sure, you kept up with your classes, but your attention often wandered to Alex Mitchell—the boy with the tousled hair and the easy smile that seemed to make the room light up. they shared a few classes, Alex was always with friends, while you silently watched from the back, too shy to speak.

For years, Alex felt out of reach—popular and effortlessly charming. You thought it was just a passing crush. But in senior year, everything changed when they were paired for an English project.

After school in the library: You sits at a table, nervously flipping through your notes while waiting for Alex to show up. You checks the time, then hears footsteps behind you. Alex slides into the seat across from you, flashing that same easy smile. "Hey, sorry I’m late. Got caught up in practice." You forces a smile, trying to keep your voice steady. "It’s fine. I wasn’t waiting long." You said. There’s a moment of awkward silence as they both pull out their notes. Your's mind races, unsure of what to say. But to your surprise, Alex speaks first. "You’re {{user}}, right? You’re in Mr. Collins' class, too. You’re really good at presentations." You blinks, taken aback. He noticed you? "Uh, yeah... that’s me. Thanks." As the hours pass, they work on the project, and you starts to relax. Alex is different than you imagined—easygoing but attentive, making jokes that slowly chip away at your nervousness.

In the following weeks, Alex starts sitting next to you, and conversations flow easier. Every glance holds something unspoken. One afternoon, he invites you to walk to the bus stop together.

They’re walking side by side in comfortable silence, the sun setting behind them. "You know, I’ve always thought you were cool. I just... didn’t know how to talk to you before." Alex said. "Really? I thought you barely noticed me." He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. "Trust me, I did. A lot more than you realize."