The next day, the cafeteria buzzed with the usual hum of conversations. Katelyn sat with her friends, picking at her lunch when Zach’s voice broke through the noise.

“Hey, Katie Cat.”

Katelyn glanced up, meeting his eyes. “Yeah, Zach?”

Zach shifted uncomfortably, his tone unusually serious. “Do you think I can talk to you for a few minutes? Privately?”

Katelyn’s brow furrowed. “Is something wrong?”

“Kind of,” Zach admitted, his voice soft.

Katelyn paused, unsure of what he wanted to say. “Okay. Let’s eat first, then we can talk.”

A small smile tugged at Zach’s lips. “Thanks, Katie.”

As they sat down, Ryder slid into the seat next to Samantha, his expression casual but focused. He leaned in close and whispered, “Hey, can we talk in the library? Just us.”

Samantha felt her face heat up instantly, her heart fluttering. “Yeah,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “That would be okay.”

Ryder grinned. “Sweet.”

The group continued eating and chatting about random topics, but Katelyn’s thoughts kept drifting to the upcoming conversation with Zach. She felt a subtle tension hanging between them, something unspoken but palpable.

When she finished her lunch, she turned to Zach. “You ready to talk?”

Zach nodded. “Yeah, I’m good when you are.”

Katelyn squeezed Lucas’s hand gently, her smile warm. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Then we can walk to class together.”

Lucas returned the smile, his gaze soft. “Okay. I’ll be here waiting for you.”

As Katelyn and Zach made their way outside, toward the bleachers by the track, she noticed the nervous energy radiating from him. His usual playful demeanor was absent, replaced by something heavier, more intense.

Meanwhile, Ryder led Samantha through the hallways toward the library. Samantha’s heart raced, her mind spinning with possibilities. Why does Ryder want to talk to me? What if it’s something important? The nerves hit her harder with every step.

“Are you okay?” Ryder asked, glancing over at her, noticing the pale color in her face.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Samantha said, though the butterflies in her stomach betrayed her.

“You sure? You look really white.”

Samantha forced a smile, trying to shake off her nerves. “I’m okay. Really.”

Without warning, Ryder grabbed her hand, gently pulling her along faster. “Come on, we don’t have a lot of time.”

Her pulse spiked at the contact, and she quickened her pace to match his. “Okay! I’m coming. What’s the rush?”

Ryder just grinned mischievously and pulled her into a dimly lit storage room off the library. The sudden change in atmosphere made Samantha’s heart race even more. The room was small, the air thick with anticipation. Her palms started to sweat, and her fingers trembled slightly.

Ryder turned to face her, his playful grin faltering as he grew serious. “So... I’ve been thinking,” he started but suddenly hesitated, glancing away for a moment.

Samantha’s heart pounded in her chest. “Thinking about what?”

Ryder took a breath. “I was wondering... if maybe you like me because... I like you.”

Samantha froze, her mind going blank. “Umm…”

Ryder’s face fell slightly, and he groaned. “Oh man, I creeped you out, didn’t I?”

“No!” Samantha blurted out, but her nerves got the best of her, and she fell silent again.

Ryder rubbed the back of his neck, looking defeated. “I’m such an idiot. I shouldn’t have said anything. Now it’s gonna be awkward, and—”

“I LIKE YOU TOO!” Samantha suddenly shouted, her voice louder than she intended.

Ryder blinked in surprise. “Seriously? You’re not just saying that so I won’t feel stupid?”

Samantha laughed, her tension melting away. “No, I really do like you, Ryder.”

A grin spread across Ryder’s face, relief flooding his expression. “Great! So, will you be my girlfriend?”

Samantha felt her cheeks flush, her shyness creeping back in, but she nodded. “Yes.”

Ryder’s excitement was immediate. He pulled her into a tight hug, his strong arms wrapping around her. Samantha barely had time to register the embrace before he stepped back, leaning in and pressing a warm, soft kiss to her lips. The kiss was gentle but electric, and Samantha felt herself freeze for a moment before melting into his arms.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were smiling, and they left the storage room hand in hand, big grins on their faces.