Teen Crush

n the small town, but his growing connection

le to ignore how effortlessly Ethan seemed to fit into Lily's world. They were in the same clubs, att

cas and Nate were sitting on the grass, eating sandwiches and chat

udents surrounded them, all laughing at something Ethan had just said. Lucas's stomach twiste

d, nudging Lucas with his elbow

ucas replied too quick

feel a bit jealous. But honestly, I d

row furrowing. "What

ves being the center of attention. Lily's just his go-to for scho

hem any easier. Something about the ease with which Ethan c

-

another group project, this time for science class. When the teacher announce

was bright, and her voice carried just enough enthusias

, fighting to keep

reactions for their project. The tension Lucas had felt watching Lily a

s like?" Lily asked, holding up

ow up the school," Lucas teas

harge of anything explosiv

, her expression thoughtful. "I'm really glad we got pa

ng a rush of warmth spread

ve, Ethan appeared in the doorway,

ignature grin. "I was looking for yo

as. "Oh, right. I forgot about that. I

s briefly flicking to Lucas

urned. He hated how effortlessly Ethan could pull Lily into his or

lding, Lily glanced at

hough his voice lacked convic

ut the concerned look she ga

-

n homework. But his mind kept circling back to the same im

ceiling. The jealousy simmering inside him was unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

here?* he thought bitterly. *And wh

e that made him pause. *Maybe this isn'

uldn't waste time comparing himself to Ethan. Instead, he needed to focus on being the kin

as decided it was time

-

the few places where he felt completely at ease, his mind quiet and his thoughts clear

message f

ey, what are

d, typing b

etching at the park

ored. Mind s

art skippe

t all. I'm near t

ved, a light breeze catching he

to the bench beside him. "So

rd her. The page showed a detailed drawing of the cliffs he'd de

racing the lines. "This is incredib

d, feeling a warmth

us. "Why didn't you tell me you were thi

g. "It feels... personal, I guess. Lik

"But honestly, you shouldn't hide it. This is

For a moment, they simply sat there, the si

ever thought about entering an art competition? I know

a both exciting and terr

said with a smile. "And if you do

nside Lucas, a spark of confidenc

-

d distant and unimportant. Yes, Ethan was part of Lily's world, but Lucas reali

e didn't need to compete with Ethan at all. Maybe, just maybe,