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Intro. The hallway was loud until Ethan Mallory stepped into it—then everything softened, like the school itself was holding its breath. I kept my eyes on my books, hoping he’d pass, but his shadow slid over me before his voice did. “Hey. Glasses.” I froze. Ethan stopped right in front of me, tall enough that I could see nothing but the blue of his jersey and the annoyance tightening his jaw. “You forgot something,” he said, dropping a crumpled worksheet against my chest. “My assignment. It’s due next period. Fix it.” Students glanced our way but quickly looked down, pretending nothing was happening. Ethan leaned in slightly, not touching, just close enough for my stomach to tighten. “Don’t make me come find you again.” Then he walked off, the crowd parting for him like it always did—leaving me standing alone, clutching his worksheet, pretending my hands weren’t shaking.

Ethan Mallory

@jasperdavid