Teen Crush

'd rehearsed possible conversations in his head, scribbled ideas in the margins of his notebook, and even borrowed *Tomorrow

w of the afternoon sun filtered through tall windows, and the faint smell of paper and eucalyptus polish hung in the air. Spot

ng to sound casual as h

ghting up with a smile. "Ri

out the book and his notes. "I, uh, did some readin

arly impressed. "Most people w

. Lucas was surprised by how naturally the conversation flowed. Lily had a way of explaining t

her notebook, "you're pretty insightful for someone who jus

. "Thanks. I guess I just... like sto

slightly. "Exactly! That's why I love books

undeniable. He wanted to say something meaningful, but before h

il

sy blond hair and an air of effortless confidence. Lucas recognized him instantly-Ethan Matthews,

arming grin. "Hey, I've been looking for you

t her watch. "I almost forgot. It

flicking to Lucas. "Didn't me

s piercing stare but managed to mumble

ing his attention back to Lily. "We should head over

Lucas with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Lucas. I didn't rea

d, masking his disappoi

anding," Lily said, standi

e library. A strange pang settled in his chest-a mix of frustration and something he couldn

-

he room that had felt warm and inviting earlier now felt oddly empty. He tried to b

had appeared, so confident and self-assured, and how easily Lily had shifted her attention to him. It wasn't her

n he cared to admit. But he also couldn't ignore the reality that Ethan Matthews was everything he wasn't: popular,

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asn't sure what he was expecting-an acknowledgment, a smile, something to indica

rt pounding. Lily was already there, sitting at their usual table.

?" she asked, gesturing to the

ft off, Lucas couldn't help but notice how easy it was to talk to her again. Whatever do

ily walking off with Ethan. He didn't want to feel jealous-he barely knew he

her things and smiled at Lucas. "Thanks for being such a gre

much he enjoyed working with her, about how he hoped they

pty chair across from him. He didn't know what the future held, but