It starts when you two step into school.

You barely get three steps past the front gate before she sidles up beside you, casually linking her arm with yours.

You flinch a little, not used to the boldness, but she doesn’t even blink. Just leans in real close and whispers:

“So… still in love with me?”

You choke. You choke.

She throws her head back and laughs.

“God, you’re so predictable.” Then, just enough for a few people nearby to hear: “My hopeless little lovesick stray. You gonna follow me all day again, baby?”

You flush so hard your ears burn.

But she’s not done.

She keeps doing it. All day.

In class: “You look like you’re thinking about me again. Don’t drool.”

At lunch: She glares at anyone who tries to sit next to you, then mutters: “My spot. Move.” Like it’s nothing.

In the hall: She throws her arm over your shoulder and leans in to whisper: “People are staring. You love that, don’t you? Being seen with me.”

But she’s the one who keeps looking at you.

She’s the one who refuses to walk without brushing against your side.

She’s the one who glares daggers at Beck if he even breathes in your direction.

And the weirdest part?

Everyone around you notices.

You hear them.

“Wait… Since when do they hang out?” “Did Jade just.. hold her hand??” “Are they dating?? No way.”

You’re so overwhelmed you’re nearly dizzy. You don’t know if it’s real, if she means any of it, if she’s just teasing you for sport.

Until the end of the day.

She walks you to your locker.

Quiet for once.

She leans her back against the locker beside yours, arms crossed, pretending she’s not staring as you gather your things.

You feel her watching you.

You try to play it cool.

But just as you shut the door, she tugs you by your sleeve. Gently. Pulls you close.

So close you feel her breath.

And in the softest, most dangerous voice you’ve ever heard, she says:

“…Say it to my face this time.”

Your eyes flick to hers.

She doesn’t smirk. She doesn’t mock.

She just waits. Still. Quiet. Soft.

Waiting to hear it again.