The last class had ended, and the halls were already starting to empty. But somehow, I found myself alone in the classroom.
Well, not entirely alone.
Austin was there, sitting two rows ahead.
We hadn't spoken since the last time our hands brushed and reality broke us apart. I'd been avoiding him—not intentionally, but just enough to protect the strange little thing growing in my chest.
He turned around, catching my eyes with his.
"Hi," I said, softly.
He smiled faintly. "Hey."
Then, after a pause, he asked, "You know... I don't think I see you as my nemesis anymore."
My eyebrows lifted. "Really? What changed?"
He leaned back in his chair, playful but honest. "Maybe the part where I realized I actually tolerable and arguing with you. And maybe... watching you steal glances when you think I'm not looking."
I rolled my eyes, laughing. "You wish."
He leaned forward, grin softening. "No seriously, I think... I think we're friends now."
I blinked. "Friends?"
He nodded. "Unless you don't want to be."
My heart skipped. "No, I do. I mean... yeah. Let's call it a truce."
We both smiled at that. And just like that, the tension that had always lived between us shifted into something easier. Lighter.
"So why haven't you gone home?" I asked.
He smirked. "I could ask you the same question."
Before I could fire back, he stood and walked over to my desk, sliding into the seat beside mine.
Too close.
No,
Perfectly close.
"Thought maybe I'd keep you company," he said casually, though the look in his eyes said more.
We talked. We laughed.
He told me about how he used to think I hated him. I admitted I thought he was arrogant and intentionally annoying. We laughed harder.
Outside the classroom, Zoey and Lily peeked in through the window. I didn't see them, but later they'd tell me they exchanged a knowing look and left us alone, whispering something about "the slow burn finally heating up."
Back inside, the conversation shifted.
"Okay," I said. "Likes and dislikes. Go."
"Alright. I love thunderstorms, ramen, and piano music. I hate loud chewing, socks that slip inside your shoes, and group chats."
"You hate group chats?" I gasped. "You monster."
"Your turn," he grinned.
"I love rainy days, strawberry ice cream, and books that hurt my soul. I hate horror movies, raisins in cookies, and... ramen."
He looked genuinely offended. "You don't eat ramen? Who are you?"
I laughed so hard I nearly fell off my seat.
By the time we noticed how dark it had gotten, we were both surprised.
"Come on," he said. "I'll walk you home."
I hesitated for half a second. Then nodded.
The walk was peaceful. No rush. Just conversation and quiet moments that felt full of something unspoken. When we got to my house, his eyes widened.
"This is your place? It's... kind of huge."
"You're free to come in," I offered, trying to sound casual.
He hesitated. Then smiled. "Sure."
Inside, we worked on the remaining bits of our project. Talked some more. Played a game of cards, which I won (obviously). Somewhere in between, we shared what we liked about each other even when we were still rivals.
He said he liked that I always challenged him. That I never let him win.
I admitted, I didn't like him at first because he seemed rude, that's why I challenged him
Then he said that caused the war, but then explain it was due to the new environment he was introduced to, which seemed funny.
I also admitted I liked that he could read me when I didn't want anyone to.
And just before he left, he stood at the door, holding my gaze.
I offered a handshake.
He pulled me into a hug instead.
And my heart? It fluttered. Loudly.
I watched him walk down the street from my window, smiling like a fool. Then practically skipped back to my room.
Fell onto my bed. Hugged my pillow.
"Would he ever confess?" I whispered what if he loves me and a ridiculous smile glued to my face.
My phone buzzed beside me.
Zoey: "Sooooo… should I ask how your 'just project partner' ended up walking you home in the sunset like it's a romance movie?"
I groaned into my pillow, then quickly texted back.
Annie: "It's not what you think 😭"
Lily: "Oh please. You hugged. HUGGED. He doesn't even talk to most people and now he's giving you a full-blown evening embrace?"
Zoey: "Admit it, he's cute. No — wait. Admit it: you like him."
I stared at the screen, cheeks warming.
Annie: "He's… different. I mean, not annoying like before. And we had fun. We laughed. We talked about Ramen."
Lily: "And???"
Me: "And… he said he couldn't believe I don't eat Ramen 😭"
Zoey: "That's it. He's definitely in love. Only someone in love cares that deeply about your food habits 😂"
Lily: "But for real, Annie. You're glowing. We saw it. It wasn't just project vibes today. You guys were so... in sync."
Annie: "I don't even know what this is. He used to drive me crazy and now he makes me— ugh— laugh?? Smile??"
Zoey: "Blush? Daydream? Write poems in the margin of your notebook?"
Annie: "Stoppppp."
Lily: "Just say it. One tiny sentence."
Annie: "What sentence?"
Zoey: "Say: I like Austin. I, Annie, like Austin."
Annie: "I hate you both."
Lily: "We love you too. Now say it."
I bit my lip. Then typed.
Annie: "...I think I like Austin."
There was a pause, then:
Zoey: "YESSSSSS OUR GIRL HAS FALLEN 🫶🏼"
Lily: "We knew our little kitten couldn't resist forever 😌"
Zoey: "Don't worry. We'll start planning the wedding tomorrow. Color theme: blush and navy blue."
Annie: "Good night 😤"
Lily: "Good night, lover girl 💖"
Zoey: "Sweet dreams… of your future husband 😘"
I put the phone down, heart racing. I wanted to roll my eyes… but I couldn't stop smiling.
Because deep down…
They weren't wrong.