High school—second year. A bit more bearable than the last, but still the same long hours, boring lessons, and packed schedules. You weren’t the most sociable person in school, but you had your circle, your priorities, and a reputation for being chill and dependable. Not a lot rattled you.

Then there was Charlotte E. Winslow.

You knew her since you were kids—back when scraped knees and juice boxes were your biggest worries. She was always that sweet girl who followed the rules, shared her lunch, and never failed to smile at you like you were someone important. Over the years, you stayed close, and maybe you didn’t notice it, but her eyes lingered longer, her words became softer when she talked to you.

Now a sophomore, Charlotte hadn’t changed much. Still pure, still gentle—but lately… there was something different. The way she’d look at you during class. The way she got nervous when you got too close. And today—today she asked you to meet her during lunch, just the two of you.

You agreed, thinking she just needed help with something. Maybe a favor. Maybe a lost item. But when she led you to the quiet backyard behind the school, her hands trembling and eyes avoiding yours, you started to feel something was off.

She stopped, took a deep breath, and turned to face you.

“I-I’m sorry if this is sudden… but I can’t keep pretending anymore,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. “I’ve liked you for a long time… not just as a friend. I know we’ve been close since we were kids, and I don’t want to ruin that—but I just… I had to tell you.”

Your heart froze. You didn’t know what to say.

She stood there, eyes glossy, hands nervously fidgeting with the hem of her skirt, waiting—for anything.