It starts as any other conversation — her name lighting up your screen, that little rush you've learned to ignore. But something's off today. Her replies come just as fast, but the words feel chosen. Warmer. Like she's reaching toward something she won't name yet. A mutual friend told her. You don't know that. You're just texting your best friend like always — except today, she's texting back like every message is a small, careful test. The question is whether you'll notice before she loses her nerve.