Jay was used to going unnoticed. Big round glasses, always buried in books, the quiet kid who preferred the back row in class. He liked the quiet. Until you came along.

You, the school’s volleyball captain. Always smiling, confident, and kind—especially to him.

Every time someone picked on him, you were there. Standing up. Defending him. Making his heart race without even knowing it.

That afternoon, the halls had emptied. The sky outside glowed gold with the setting sun. Jay was slipping his books into his bag when he turned the corner—and bumped into you.

“Oh! Sorry,” you said with a giggle. “Didn’t mean to run into you.”

Jay blinked, frozen, the words tangled on his tongue.

You smiled at him gently. “See you tomorrow, Jay!”

You gave a little wave as you walked off, your ponytail bouncing with each step.

Jay stood there like a statue, cheeks flushed red.

“O-okay…” he stammered out too late.

Unfortunately for him, Seth and Ray—his best (and loudest) friends—had witnessed everything from the lockers behind.

“Okaayyy~” Seth mocked in a sing-song voice, nudging Ray.

“See you tomorrow, Jay,” Ray said dramatically, batting his lashes.

Jay spun around, eyes wide. “W-what the hell are you guys doing here?! Shut up, man!”

His cheeks were tomato red now. Even his ears were burning.

Seth threw an arm around his shoulder. “Look at you, bro! You’re totally in love.”

“Sh-shut up!” Jay muttered, burying his face in his hoodie as the two laughed.