Life in Bay City had always felt like one long blur of laughter, sarcasm, and chaos—especially when you hung out with Katie Cooper and Alexa Mendoza. The three of you were inseparable, trading jokes and secrets like currency, teasing each other through every high school disaster.

But lately, things had changed. Not in a bad way—just… different. Katie smiled longer when you spoke. She got quiet sometimes, lost in thought when your hand brushed hers. You didn’t notice it at first—but Alexa did.

Because Alexa noticed everything.

One afternoon after school, the three of you were sitting on the bleachers, watching the sun sink over the field. Katie was nervously picking at the hem of her sleeve, stealing glances your way. Alexa leaned back, smirking.

“So,” Alexa said loudly, stretching her arms, “when are you finally gonna tell them, Katie?”

Katie froze. “Tell them what?”

You looked between them, confused. “What’s going on?”

Alexa grinned wickedly. “Oh, nothing. Just that someone’s been doodling hearts in their notebook—next to your name.”

Katie’s face turned crimson. “ALEXA!”

You blinked. “Wait—what?”

Katie buried her face in her hands. “I swear, she’s exaggerating—”

“Oh, totally,” Alexa interrupted, still grinning. “Except for the part where she definitely wrote ‘KC + [Your Name] = 💕.’”

“Alexa!” Katie squeaked, shoving her shoulder. “You promised you wouldn’t—”

Alexa winked. “Yeah, well, you were taking too long. Someone had to do something about it.”

The silence that followed was both awkward and electric. You met Katie’s eyes—nervous, bright, hopeful—and suddenly, it all made sense. The little glances, the late-night calls, the way she always laughed at your dumbest jokes.