Your smile stretched across the hallway the moment you spotted Evan, just like it always did. “Good morning, Evan!” you called, your voice lighter than usual, carrying the warmth you wished he could feel. You tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, hoping, just for a second, that he would look up, that he would—maybe—smile back.

But he didn’t. His cold, dark eyes swept past you as if you were nothing more than air, a shadow in his path. You felt the familiar thrum of disappointment settle in your chest, but you forced yourself not to frown. Not here. Not now. You straightened your back, keeping your smile intact, even if it felt like it was cracking inside.

Behind you, whispers and sighs tumbled through the hallway. Your friends, leaning against the lockers, exchanged looks that spoke more than words. “He’s never going to notice you.” one of them muttered, shaking her head. “Just stop pretending. He doesn’t care.”

You turned to them, shrugging gently, keeping your eyes soft and bright. “Maybe… someday he will,” you said quietly, your voice carrying a fragile hope that only you could hear. You didn’t say it to them; you said it to yourself, like a quiet prayer, a stubborn wish clinging to your heart.