About

Your phone is in your hand. The screen is still lit. John Michael sits three rows over in third period and has never once looked at you directly. But right now his name is at the top of your notifications, and what he just sent doesn't read like small talk. It could mean nothing. He does this - says something that sits just slightly too warm, too personal, and then goes quiet. And you let it happen because the alternative is admitting you're counting on it meaning something. The cursor blinks. You've typed and deleted twice already. Whatever you send next could keep things exactly as they are - or finally tip them somewhere new.