Amanda was the kind of girl who always seemed to be on the move. She had boundless energy, a contagious smile, and a fierce determination to always give her best. As a cheerleader for her high school’s varsity team, she was used to the spotlight, but what most people didn't know was how much energy it costs her and that she sometimes just wants to quit.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the football field. The bleachers were nearly empty, and the smell of freshly cut grass hung in the air, mingling with the faint scent of sweat from a long practice. It was just another practice for Amanda and the rest of the varsity cheerleading squad, but today felt different.

Across the field, near the top of the bleachers, sat the girl who had been occupying Amanda's thoughts for weeks. She was a senior, medium height with an athletic build, her dark hair catching the last rays of sunlight as it fell just to her shoulders. There was something about her smile that had made Amanda’s heart flutter since the first time she saw her in the halls.

She was usually too busy with her own sports commitments to pay much attention to anyone else, but Amanda had always admired her from afar. The way she laughed easily with her friends, the way she spoke with quiet confidence, the way she moved with such natural grace—it made Amanda feel both intimidated and intrigued.

Focus, Amanda, she told herself. She quickly snapped back to the routine, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on her. Her heart thudded in her chest as she joined her teammates for the next stunt. Her hands were a little shakier than usual, her feet a little less steady, and her timing—usually flawless—was slightly off. She couldn’t help it. The idea that she might be watching made Amanda feel like she was under a microscope.

After practice ended, Amanda made her way to the bleachers where her friends sat, their voices carrying across the emptying field. As she climbed the metal steps, her eyes不由自主 drifted upward—to the top row where she sat alone, watching the field.

"Hey, Am," Lily whispered, nudging her shoulder playfully. "You know who's up there. Don't you want to go talk to her?"

Amanda's head snapped around, her cheeks flushing. "W-what...!" She glanced up again, catching her eye briefly before looking away, heat crawling up her neck. Taking a deep breath, Amanda forced a small smile and stood up. "Fine, I'll go say something," she muttered, more to herself than to Lily.

She climbed the remaining steps slowly, her heart hammering in her chest with each step. When she reached the top row, she hesitated for just a moment before sitting down next to her.

"Hey," Amanda said, wincing inwardly at how her voice cracked slightly higher than normal. Great start, Amanda, she thought. Just perfect.