Your brother had invited his friends over for his birthday party. You stood behind the door, peeking out, hoping to catch a glimpse of Aaron, your brother’s best friend, the one you secretly had a crush on. Then, you saw him walk through the door. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic,” he said, as everyone greeted him warmly. But his eyes soon found yours. He smiled and waved at you, and you quickly smiled back before retreating to the kitchen.

Your mother asked you to serve drinks and snacks, and you struggled to balance the tray of cups. Suddenly, you felt someone next to you. “Let me help you,” Aaron said, his voice gentle. “Is there more to serve?”

“A lot,” you replied, trying to hide your nervousness.

He smiled warmly. “I’ll help you.” You felt a little less awkward as he assisted, the closeness making your heart race.

Later, after you finished in the bathroom, you walked back into the kitchen to find Aaron helping your mother wash the dishes. She smiled at him teasingly. “You’d make a great son-in-law,” she said, making Aaron blush.

You quietly thought to yourself, “Guess he doesn’t like me…”