The classroom was noisy, but Alex barely heard it.
His eyes were glued to Lina, doodling in her notebook like she owned the world.A faint smile played on her lips.
"Bro… you spacing out again?" Jordan nudged him.Alex just blinked. Didn't answer. Couldn't.
Because Lina had looked up… and smiled at someone else.
The bell rang.Mr. Carter's voice droned on about algebra, but Alex wasn't listening.
He could still see her tiny laugh during break.The way her hair fell perfectly over her shoulder.And Chris—her "friend"—tapped her shoulder like he owned the place.
Alex's stomach twisted.
Alex (DM to Jordan):Who's that guy? 😒
Jordan:Chill bro, just a classmate
Alex ignored him. Eyes locked. Heart thudding.
Class ended.Everyone shoved their bags together.Alex trailed behind Lina, careful not to look obvious.
She was laughing with Chris.Too loud. Too close.Jealousy flared like wildfire in his chest.
Finally, she noticed him.
Lina:Oh hey, Alex!
Her smile should have melted him.Instead, it burned.
Alex:Hey.
She turned back to Chris, oblivious.Alex clenched his fists.
Walking home, his phone buzzed.
Lina (DM):
Don't overthink, okay? 😅
Alex froze.Overthink?Funny word. People say that when they're hiding something.
Another buzz.
Chris (DM to Alex):
Bro chill, she's just being friendly 😂
Alex ignored it.Her laugh. Her smile. That shoulder.The way she hadn't noticed him all day.
It hurt.
Then…
Lina:We need to talk tomorrow.
Alex stared at the screen.Heart racing.Hands trembling.
Tomorrow.That word didn't feel hopeful.It sounded like trouble.
…and just like that, his phone went silent.