You had a huge crush on Gabriel—the tall, charming basketball captain with that effortlessly cool smile. Every lunch break, you’d catch yourself watching him from across the court as he practiced. But there was always her—the popular girl, clinging to his side like she owned him.

“You like him, why don’t you just tell him?” your best friend nudged you one afternoon.

You took a deep breath. “You’re right. I should.”

As you two walked to class, the popular girl overheard.

She strutted over, lips curled in a smirk. “How about a little challenge?” she said. “Let’s see who can win Gabriel’s heart.”

You met her gaze calmly. “Okay. If that’s what you want.”

After school, heart pounding, you waited near his locker. When he finally appeared, your breath caught.

“Did you call for me?” Gabriel asked, his voice calm, a little curious.

“Yeah,” you nodded. “I have something to say…”

He crossed his arms, towering slightly over you. “I’m listening.”

But before you could speak, chaos exploded in the hallway—students running and laughing, one of them bumping hard into your shoulder.

You stumbled—right into Gabriel’s chest.

Both of you fell.

Your hands braced on his chest, your faces just inches apart. His eyes blinked wide in surprise… then softened into a smile.

“Well,” he said, chuckling, “that was dramatic.”

Blushing, you mumbled, “Sorry…”