Jake's eyes softened even more, and I could see that he wanted to say more, to offer more words of comfort, but something in his expression told me that he knew it wasn't really something that could be fixed by words.

We fell silent for a moment, just staring at the blank space in front of us, both of us caught in our own thoughts. Then, Jake shifted his weight slightly, and I realized he was probably just as uncomfortable as I was.

"Do you—" He paused, clearly hesitant. "Do you think about him a lot?"

I didn't need to ask who he meant. I knew he was talking about my dad.

I pressed my lips together, feeling the familiar ache that I had learned to live with, but never fully accepted. "Sometimes," I said, keeping my voice steady. "But... it's easier when I don't."

Jake didn't respond right away, but I could tell from the way he was looking at me that he understood. He didn't press any further, which I appreciated. It was nice, not having to explain the things that I usually kept hidden.

He nodded once. "I sort of understand the way you're feeling. I lost my mum last year."

"Oh." I said, surprised by his honesty. An awkward silence hung between us, each of us waiting for the other to speak.

Jake broke the silence first. "We should probably get started on the play," he said softly.

"Yeah, I already have enough homework for today."

"Same," he nodded.

Jake and I began to piece together our story, though it quickly became clear that he was taking the lead. His ideas flowed effortlessly, and I found myself getting swept up in the creative process. By the end of the lesson, we had developed the plot for a play about two people who reunite after years of being apart. The journey would be emotional, filled with unresolved feelings, but by the end, they would get married.

I wasn't entirely sure how we'd ended up with that conclusion—especially considering we'd have to perform it in front of the class next week—but somehow, it felt fitting. The idea seemed to carry an underlying tension that made it both intriguing and a little bit terrifying.

I felt my cheeks flush just thinking about it. The thought of acting out those emotional scenes, with Jake standing so close, made my stomach flip. It was one thing to write the story; it was another to have to perform it in front of everyone.

"Okay, everyone!" Ms. Kently called over the chattering class. "It is now time for you to move to lunch. After I come around and collect your worksheets, you may leave."

Jake and I walked over to the front of the room, and she looked down at our work.

"Good work today," she nodded at us. "I'm very impressed with your effort."

"Thank you, miss."

I turned to Jake and he smiled that heartbreaking smile at me.

"Actually," I added, "Jake did most of the work."

"I did some," he frowned. "Kay did more than she takes credit for."

"Well, good job to both of you then," smiled Ms. Kently.

Jake and I walked side by side towards the cafeteria, the sound of our footsteps echoing through the empty halls. I couldn't help but notice the way he moved—graceful, with an easy confidence that was somehow both subtle and striking. I hadn't realized just how tall he was until now; he seemed to tower over me.

Leaning down so I could hear him above the noise, he spoke softly, "You're really smart, Kay. I noticed how you used some pretty advanced words when you wrote out our plan."

I glanced up at him, feeling a small rush of warmth. "Oh—thanks. You're smart, too. You came up with the idea for the whole thing."

Jake shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "I came up with the park setting and the idea of two people meeting after a long time apart. You're the one who created the emotional depth and the relationship between them."

I paused, surprised by his words. "Oh... I guess I did."

We shared a moment of quiet, and I found myself lost in his warm brown eyes. He seemed to notice, and after a brief hesitation, he murmured, "You have really beautiful eyes."

His voice was so soft, I almost thought I imagined it. But when I saw him glance away, his cheeks flushed a light pink, I knew it was real.

"Uh, thanks," I stammered, feeling my own face grow warm. "You... you do, too."

Jake looked back at me, his smile more pronounced this time. It was the kind of smile that sent a flutter of butterflies into my chest and made it hard to focus on anything else. My breath caught, and for a second, it felt like time slowed down.

"So," Jake started, glancing away for a moment before looking back at me, "I was wondering if you'd want to sit with me at break today?"

I was about to say yes, the words practically ready to spill out, when Yasmine suddenly tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around, giving her a quick hug. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Jake looking down at his feet, his expression unreadable. Yasmine glanced between the two of us, then grabbed my wrist, pulling me aside.

"Kay, we need to talk," she said, her eyes flicking briefly to Jake before she added, "about your change in attitude."

I planted my feet firmly on the floor, not wanting to let her pull me away. "Yas, we can talk later. I'm sitting with Jake today."

She paused, the hurt flashing briefly in her eyes before she nodded. "Okay... I'll see you in Biology, then."

"Yeah," I replied softly, before turning back to Jake.

I could hear him mumble, almost to himself, "You should've sat with your friend."

I hesitated for a moment before answering, then said, "I'll catch up with her later. And..." I glanced up at him, feeling a mix of uncertainty and warmth, "...I'd rather sit with you."

That got a smile out of Jake, one that spread across his face, though he quickly tried to hide it. "Alright then... let's go grab lunch."