The Book I Faked for a Crush

Back in 9th grade, I had this massive crush on a girl who sat two rows in front of me.

I swear, every time she tucked her hair behind her ear, my brain just blue-screened.

At first, I tried being subtle—like borrowing the same pen brand she used so if she ever saw

mine, she’d think we had something in common. Yeah… that was my level of strategy.

But then I realized she always read during free period. So one day, I pull out a book

I didn’t even understand, just so I’d look interesting. I kept flipping pages like I was

speed-reading the secrets of the universe. Suddenly, she looks back and goes,

“You like that book too?” I panicked. I nodded so fast I could’ve gotten whiplash.