Teen Crush

th the sugary scent of baked goods and the hum of laughter from every corner of the school grounds. Lucas stood at the ring toss booth, handing o

ough faint over the noise of the crowd, reached him like a melody. Every so often, she'd glance his way, offerin

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water, leaning against the booth to catch his breath. His heart thudded in his chest as he watched Lily help a

ets, Lucas walked over. "Hey," he said, tryi

ar smile. "Pretty good! We've raised way more than I

hesitated for a moment, trying to steer the conversation. "You

a small laugh. "Not really. It'

e could check out the stalls together?" The words tumble

miled softly. "That sounds nic

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ively chaos of the afternoon had faded into a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. String lights twinkled ove

ng cupcakes. "You've earned it," she said, hand

trying to suppress the

th their cupcakes in hand. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the stillness betw

nally, her voice soft. "I didn't th

g. "It's nice to feel like p

een here, what, a couple of weeks? And you're alre

ut that. It's been... hard, honestly. New place

onviction. "And if it helps, I'm glad you came h

h a cloudy day. He hesitated, the weight of her kindness wrapping

between them. It wasn't just the gratitude of making a new friend-i

e had made his transition to this new school less lonely. But the words

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here yo

he field. Lucas instinctively straightened, his jaw tig

icient. He barely spared Lucas a glance before focusing on her. "We n

mb off her dress as she sto

flashing her his signature grin before t

tic. "I'll catch up with you later, okay? Th

hed her join Ethan, the two of them falling into an easy rhythm as they worked. That familia

g into the crowd, her smile lingered just long enoug

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ss booth, helping pack up stray prizes and roll up the game's banner. N

ly against the booth. "How'd yo

play the small victory. "It wa

d, huh? And then Eth

didn't deny it. "It's fi

Nate said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Jus

asked, his tone more h

me she smiled at you today, I'd be a rich man.

He might not have everything figured out yet, but for the fi

d for a moment, looking out at the now-quiet field. The day had been exhausting, nerve

he wasn't just part of the background. Fo