Teen Crush

Ethan had appeared, confident and commanding, left him feeling like he didn't stand a chance

was more doodles than notes, a testament to his wandering thoughts. But a small, stubborn voic

He might not be as smooth as Ethan or as popular

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he barely registered the morning lessons. When the lunch bell rang, he grabbed hi

ow. Sunlight streamed through the glass, highlighting the warm ton

htly as he approached. "Rea

off the nervous energy that had followed him all morning. "I've been thinking about the leadership

lso tie it to the decisions she has to make and how they impact everyone

epping up, but about how those choices weigh on he

fined their outline. For a while, Lucas forgot all about Ethan and his doubts. Her

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resentation, Lily leaned back in her chair,

r pen against her notebook. "Most people would've just gone

st... like thinking about how things connect. Storie

starting to gather her papers. "I

bated whether or not to speak. The words he wanted to say hove

haky, "do you want to, I don't know, maybe ha

ression surprised but n

for an explanation. "Like, grab a c

n with a loud creak. Both of them turned to see Ethan

n called out, striding conf

ence instantly commanding the room. It was

said, her tone warm b

n said, glancing briefly at Lucas before refocusing on Lily. "We co

id with a small smil

g. "We've got a ton of work to do, but

erthought, Ethan turned and left as abruptly as he'd

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. "Ethan's been super busy with the fundraiser. It's

as said, for

I've got to run to class. But thanks for working on this with

ce sounding far too casual for th

nd papers on the table. Ethan's interruption replayed in his mind, the conf

ction with Lily-it was the way Lucas felt invisible in his presence,

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ebook lay open on his desk, untouched. The words Ethan had said to Lily, the

n just good conversation during project sessions. He needed

. It wasn't much, but it was something. Lily loved books, loved s

e headed to the fiction section, scanning the shelves for something-anything-that might give him an edge. His finger

never read it, but he decided he would now. If he couldn't outshine Ethan in confiden

termination ignited inside him. He wasn't sure where this plan woul