He asked again in SS1.
Again in SS2.
Twice in SS3.
Once before mock exams.
And once after sports day when she looked too pretty under the sunset and he lost control of his courage.
Every time?
"No."
Not cruel.
Not harsh.
Just… firm.
"Tell him I'm not ready."
"Tell him we're too young."
"Tell him I don't want distractions."
But here's what she never said:
Tell him my heart beats stupidly fast when he looks at me.
Tell him I'm scared if I say yes, it will become real.
So she protected herself.
With "no."