The days leading up to Valentine's Day felt like living inside a whirlwind of butterflies and hopeful glances. Sophie and I were practically detectives, analyzing every word and every look James gave me, searching for proof that my feelings might be returned.
We were in the library, huddled over our textbooks for a late-night study session. James was sitting next to me, occasionally leaning closer to point out something in my notes.
"Here," he said softly, tracing a sentence with his finger. "You missed this part."
I looked up, surprised by how close he was.
"Thanks," I whispered, feeling my cheeks flush.
Sophie, sitting across the table, caught the whole moment and gave me a small, triumphant smile.
Later, she nudged me. "Did you feel that? He totally focused on you."
I just blushed and looked away.
One afternoon, James tried to text me something funny about a lecture, but he accidentally sent it to Sophie instead.
Sophie immediately burst out laughing when she showed me the message: "Charlotte totally stole my notes and made me look bad in class."
We both knew it was a joke, but Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Why would he text me that unless Charlotte means something more?"
I shrugged, heart pounding.
One lunchtime, Sophie and I sat at our usual table when James suddenly appeared, holding two coffees.
"I got you one," he said, handing me the cup with a shy smile. "Thought you might need a pick-me-up."
I felt my heart skip.
"Thanks, James," I said, fingers brushing his for a moment longer than necessary.
Sophie elbowed me playfully. "See? That's not just friendly."
One evening, during a campus event, Darby was trying to get James's attention, interrupting our group conversation.
James suddenly stepped between us and Darby, looking at her with a clear, no-nonsense expression.
"Back off, Darby. I'm talking to Charlotte."
My heart soared. Sophie whispered beside me, "Wow. Did you hear that?"
After a long day, James walked me back to my dorm.
"I know I don't say it much," he said quietly, "but I really appreciate you — and Sophie, too. You both mean a lot to me."
I smiled, eyes shining. "You mean a lot to me, too."
He paused, looking a little nervous. "Maybe… we could hang out more? Just the three of us."
I nodded, feeling hope and excitement bubble.
Sophie and I lay in our room that night, whispering about all the moments, replaying every detail.
"I think he likes you, Charlotte," Sophie said softly.
I smiled, heart full. "I think so too."
But Valentine's Day was still a week away — and I knew I had to be brave.