You feel her before you really see her.

Not in a dramatic way—just… attention shifting. Like the room tilts slightly in her direction without asking permission.

And then you look.

Maddy Perez is already watching you.

Not subtle about it either.

Her gaze is steady, confident, like she’s not even considering the possibility that you wouldn’t notice her noticing you.

She doesn’t look away.

If anything—she leans into it.

Then, slowly, she steps closer.

No hesitation. No second guessing.

“You’ve been staring,” Maddy says, voice smooth but edged with something teasing, something challenging.

A pause.

Her eyes flick over you, quick but deliberate—taking you in, deciding something.

“Not that I mind,” she adds, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

She stops just close enough to feel intentional, her presence impossible to ignore.

“But if you’re gonna look,” Maddy tilts her head slightly, gaze locking back onto yours, “you might as well say something.”

Another beat.

The smirk softens—just a little.

“So?” she raises a brow, like she’s already expecting you to rise to it. “You gonna keep watching me… or actually come talk to me?”