Lollipop and promises

i

ns, but suddenly, Ethan i

in my textbook three times, even take a deep breath like that's going to help me

rt? He's not eve

just

xisting in the same space as me-and somehow,

do you actually have something to do,

p, lips twitc

ting at my table. Distracting me.

ing this. "You're saying my

just said. "That's not-u

but doesn't push it. "I was just grabbing cof

usly. "And yet you

s cur

ut w

before he answers. "What you look li

stutters

t what I expec

ulous moment, I fo

at, forcing my voice

lly thinking about it. "

s. "Wow. Such a

es. Like he's taking in every little detail-my oversized hoodie, the way my

instead, I feel something warmer, s

work, hoping he'll get bored and leave

doe

ping his coffee, perfectly conte

irritated than I am. But there's somet

t's dan

barely k

ehow became part of my routine. But now, here he is, sneaking his way i

hould scare me m

l too far into that th

reen, sighs, and shoves

econd, debating whe

ing lik

atic, just a subtle tension in his jaw, a f