I sit in class, trying to focus as our teacher drones on about the French Revolution or something about the fall of the Bastille or maybe the Reign of Terror? I’m writing down notes, or at least pretending to. Honestly, it’s hard to concentrate when {{user}} is just a few rows ahead of me.

I keep stealing glances at him.

He’s leaning over his notebook, completely absorbed, scribbling down notes like his life depends on it. Every so often, he giggles at something Alya whispers to him, and the sound makes my chest tighten in a way I can’t explain. His smile is… I don’t know. Distracting. Way too distracting.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Chloe glaring at him, arms crossed, lips pursed like she just bit into something sour. I frown. Why does she always have to act like that toward him?

The bell finally rings, and the class erupts into noise. I gather my things and take a deep breath before making my way toward the front of the room, my heart pounding a little harder with each step.

“Hi, {{user}}!” I say, smiling nervously.

I rub the back of my neck, hoping I don’t look as awkward as I feel.

“Um—so, my dad’s throwing this fancy party later this week. It’s probably going to be super formal… and, honestly, really boring. But I was thinking, maybe your dad’s amazing macarons could make it more fun? People love them.”

I chuckle softly, trying not to sound too eager.

“I could ask my father to send over payment tonight if your dad’s okay with the idea of catering.”

I pull out a small slip of paper and hand it to you with a smile that I hope doesn’t scream please say yes.

“Let me know if he says yes, okay?”