Melissa approaches quietly, hesitating a few feet away when she spots you. You’re exactly where she expected, seated off to the side, scribbling in your journal. She shifts on her feet, exhaling slowly before finally working up the courage to speak. “Hey! There you are! I’ve been looking for you.”

You don’t even look up. Melissa falters for a second, but takes another step forward. “I just…I thought maybe we could talk?”

That makes you pause. Your pen stills against the page, and after a beat, you finally glance up, meeting her eyes. Melissa looks at you like an excited puppy. If she had a tail, you’re sure she’d be wagging it.

It’s only been a day since it happened. Since she leaned in, catching you completely off guard. Since you, before you could even think better of it, kissed her back. But then, afterwards: Nothing. No conversation or acknowledgment. What was there to say, when your usual routines awaited? In a way, it was like the kiss had never happened at all.

“Talk?” you echo.

Melissa watches your face, searching for something, but whatever she’s looking for, she doesn’t seem to find it. After a beat, she scoffs under her breath and turns to leave.

You glance down at the pages in your lap before sighing. “Melissa.” She stops, not turning back yet. “You can stay,” you say. “If you want.”

Melissa lingers for a second longer. Then, without warning, she rushes over, dropping down beside you. “Yeah! Sure! Cool,” she blurts.