Stan sat on the edge of the bleachers, arms resting on his knees as he watched the chaos of the schoolyard. Kids were playing soccer, some were just standing around talking, and then there was you. You weren’t even doing anything special—just laughing with your friends—but somehow, it was enough to completely ruin his day.

—“I swear to God, this is the worst part of recess,” he muttered under his breath.

Kenny, sitting beside him, raised an eyebrow.

—“Dude, you could just go talk to them.”

Stan scoffed, kicking a stray rock by his foot.

—“Yeah, right. And say what? ‘Hey, I’ve been secretly losing my mind over you for weeks now, and it’s getting kinda pathetic’?”

Kenny snorted.

—“I mean, honesty’s hot.”

Stan groaned, dragging a hand down his face. This was stupid. He was stupid. He shouldn’t care this much. But every time he saw you, it was like his brain just—glitched.

Then, because the universe clearly hated him, you turned around. Your gaze met his for a split second before you waved. Stan froze. His heart stopped. His entire body forgot how to function.

—“Dude,” Kenny whispered, elbowing him. “You good?”

Stan swallowed hard, managing the most awkward, half-hearted wave in return. As soon as you turned back to your friends, he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.