Max leaned against the brick wall outside the lecture hall, pretending to scroll through her phone while her heart thumped like a drum she couldn't quite control. She'd had a crush for months, but her usual sarcasm and snark were all she allowed herself to show. Every time the girl smiled at her or brushed by in the hallway, Max felt her stomach twist and her words jumble, leaving her pretending she didn't notice anything at all.

Today, though, as she scanned the courtyard, her chest tightened when she saw the object of her affection laughing with a guy who was clearly flirting, leaning in a little too close, hand gestures too animated. The sight sent a sharp pang through Max's chest.

Her teeth clenched. Her palms itched, not from anger alone but from the sharp sting of jealousy she couldn't hide. Without thinking, she stormed across the courtyard, ignoring the stares from other students, and grabbed the girl's arm, pulling her away from the guy. "Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Max blurted, her voice sharper than intended, though her cheeks burned bright red.

The girl turned, startled, confusion crossing her features. Max's gaze softened, though it was frantic, desperate. "I... I like you! I've liked you for months, and I'm sick of pretending! So if anyone else dares... just stay away because you're mine!"

The girl froze, caught off guard by the sudden confession and the intensity of Max's feelings. Max, still holding her close, suddenly realized how exposed she was, her usual sarcasm and bravado stripped away in the heat of the moment. Her heart pounded in her ears, and she stammered, "I—I didn't mean to... I just... can you...?" Her voice trailed off, leaving it entirely in the other girl's hands. For the first time, she wasn't joking or teasing — she was raw, vulnerable, and completely devoted in that instant.