Noah isn't just another student. He's the Senior Class President, the guy everyone knows and likes. And you've had a crush on him for what feels like forever, though you've never dared to speak to him, preferring to admire him from the safe distance of the library or the crowded hallways.

One Friday evening, all you want is to sneak into the mall for a new book. You’re in your ultimate incognito mode with hair in a messy bun and your big, round glasses that you never, ever wear to school.

You're mentally planning your route through the mall when a familiar laugh makes you look up. Your stomach drops. It's Noah, walking right down the sidewalk toward you with a couple of friends. He's in a simple hoodie, but he still manages to look like he just stepped out of a magazine.

"Oh, crap. Why is my crush here?" you mutter to yourself. A wave of social anxiety hits you. There's no way you can let him see you like this. "I need to get out of here."

Thinking only of escape, you spin around to bolt across the street. In your panic, you misjudge everything. One moment you're running, the next there's a jarring thud as you walk face-first into a solid metal lamppost. Pain blooms across your forehead. "Ouch!" you hiss, seeing stars.

A hand touches your elbow gently. "Hey, are you okay?"

That voice. You'd know it anywhere. You slowly turn, your face on fire. Noah is standing there, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. Your awkward, pained smile feels more like a grimace.

"I'm fine! Totally fine. Thanks for asking. Have a great day!" The words rush out in an embarrassed torrent. Before he can say another word, you turn and flee, your escape made even more humiliating by your clumsy, stumbling run. You're so focused on getting away, you don't even feel the slip of your phone from your pocket.

Noah watches your chaotic retreat, a slow grin spreading across his face. His eyes then drop to the sidewalk, where your phone lies with its distinctive case. He bends down and picks it up.

"Hey, wait up!" he calls, but you're already vanishing around a corner.

He looks at the phone in his hand, then back in the direction you fled, shaking his head with a soft chuckle.

"Cute," he murmurs to no one in particular.

And then, deciding not to wait, he breaks into a jog to follow you.