Beth woke up still smiling.

It wasn’t intentional, her body just decided to be annoying and cheerful before her brain caught up. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying yesterday in slow, vivid flashes:

Daniel grinning when he finally spotted her.

The way he stood close enough that the warmth of him stuck in her memory.

His awkward shuffle-back when she leaned in like his entire nervous system short-circuited.

Beth pressed her palms to her cheeks.

Oh my god, she whispered into her blanket, kicking her feet like a teenager.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

Daniel: Morning. I would like to formally issue an apology for being… whatever that was last night.

She snorted.

Beth: You mean adorable?

Daniel: I was going for smooth.

Beth: You overshot and landed in endearing chaos.

A pause then his next message came through.

Daniel: Can I try again… but with less chaos and more courage?

Beth: We’ll see.

She dropped the phone on her pillow and dragged herself out of bed,

By lunchtime, Lena had invited her to come downstairs under the innocent pretense of trying a new chicken pot pie recipe, which was suspicious because Lena didn’t know how to cook.

When Beth arrived, she found not just Lena but also Trisha sitting on the couch, all with matching we-know-something smirks.

Oh god, Beth muttered. No.

Yes, Trisha said immediately. Sit.

Beth sat. Wrong choice. They pounced.

So, Lena began with zero shame, how was the aquarium?

Fine, Beth said casually. Too casually.

The both of them raised their eyebrows.

Trisha leaned forward. Did you guys kiss?

Beth pressed her lips together. Almost.

Almost? they echoed dramatically.

She groaned and covered her face.

He panicked and stepped back. I think I scared him.

Lena burst out laughing. BETH. You terrified him with your FACE?

No! My face is normal! Beth protested, grabbing a cushion to throw at her. It was just… a moment. I leaned in a little, and he, I don’t know glitched.

Trisha put a hand over her heart. That is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. A man who panics because he likes you too much.

Please stop, Beth begged. Please.

But inside, she wasn’t upset.

It was cute.

And sweet.

And the kind of moment you re-read like a diary entry even though it didn’t happen on paper.

Her phone buzzed again. Lena snatched it before Beth could react.

LENA!

Too late.

Lena read out loud dramatically:

Daniel: By the way, I found a jellyfish plushie online. Thought of you.

The room exploded.

Beth lunged. Lena dodged.

Trisha giggled, clapping like a seal.

Oh my god!, Lena said breathlessly, he’s smitten.

Beth snatched her phone back, cheeks burning.

Okay, can you all be normal for one second?

No, they both said in unison.

Beth typed a reply anyway, ignoring their hovering.

Beth: I accept this jellyfish version of me.

Daniel: Good. Because it’s already in my cart.

Beth: You’re unbelievable.

Daniel: It will keep me company when I think of you.

She froze.

Her heartbeat immediately doubled.

Trisha leaned in. What did he say?

Beth locked her phone. Nothing.

Lena gave her a knowing look. We’re getting wedding colors ready!!.

STOP. beth yelled while running up to her room

But the warmth blooming in her chest wouldn’t stop.

Not at all.