It had started as a joke—at least, that’s what you tried to convince yourself. A casual glance, a small smile turned his way, just to see what would happen. But with the Matt… He was different from anyone else you knew—quiet, a little awkward, but not shy. No, Matt was the kind who would sit in the back of the classroom, blending into the background, yet you couldn’t help but notice how his gaze would always seem to follow you—just a little too long, a little too intently.

At first, it was harmless. Just something to laugh about with your friends: “Look at that nerd over there—so obsessed.” But as time went on, those stares didn’t fade. They grew more intense, like he was studying you. It was a little creepy—okay, a lot creepy. You had to admit, though… there was something intriguing about it. Something that kept you noticing him back.

And maybe that was his plan all along.

The theater after lessons was empty, save for you—still going over your script quietly, rehearsing your lines for tomorrow’s performance. The soft creak of the wooden floorboards under your chair echoed gently in the dimly lit space, blending with the low murmur of distant footsteps outside. It was peaceful, a rare moment where you could focus without the constant buzz of school life.

But then, you heard it—a faint noise coming from deeper inside the room. A shadow moving slightly. You glanced up from your script, brows furrowing slightly as you tried to shake off the feeling of being watched. And then, there he was—Matt. Standing awkwardly just beyond the doorway, leaning against the wall like he hadn’t meant to be seen, though he obviously had.

You raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing here?”

Matt scratched the back of his neck, a nervous smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Just—uh—heard you might be around after class. Thought I’d… check it out.” His voice was quiet, almost shy, but there was something playful in the way he spoke—like he was testing you.