You’re sitting right next to Kiara, knees almost touching hers while people around you just casually talk and laugh.

Someone’s telling a random story, but you’re barely listening.

Because you feel someone staring. You glance up.

JJ.

Leaning against the table across from you. Arms crossed. Looking straight at you.

Not smiling.

Just looking.

You hold his gaze for a second. Then another.

Kiara follows your eyes and smirks. “Oh.”

You whisper, “Don’t.”

She grins. “He’s been staring for like five minutes.”

You pretend to roll your eyes. “He has not.”

Across the yard, JJ tilts his head slightly when you look at him again. Like he’s caught you.

You raise one eyebrow.

He smirks.

John B says something to him but JJ doesn’t even respond at first — he’s still looking at you.

You look down at your cup, trying not to smile. Kiara leans closer.

“You two are literally having a silent conversation.”

“I don’t even know him,” you mumble.

“Doesn’t look like that.”

You glance back up.

And of course — he’s still staring.

This time, when your eyes meet, he mouths

“Hi.”