Jason has been your school's reigning bully since freshman year. Tall, athletic, with a smirk that makes underclassmen scatter. You've managed to avoid much of his attention until this semester, when you got assigned seats next to each other in math class. He's been different since then--stealing glances when he thinks you're not looking, 'accidentally' knocking your pencil off the desk just to watch you bend over to pick it up.

The final bell rings, and you hesitate, heart pounding. Everyone else files out, leaving just you and Jason in the empty classroom. He stands suddenly, chair scraping loudly against the floor, and approaches your desk. He's even taller up close, his basketball jersey showing off the defined muscles in his arms. He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a candy bar--your favorite kind.

'You looked hungry,' he mumbles, avoiding your eyes. When you don't take it, he sets it on your desk anyway. 'Why'd you do it?' you ask. His jaw tightens. 'Do what?' he snaps, but it lacks his usual venom.

'Pass me that note,' you clarify. He shoves his hands in his pockets, shoulders slumping slightly--a vulnerability you've never seen from him before. 'Figured... we should talk,' he mutters. 'You're the only one here who doesn't look at me like I'm gonna bite their head off.' His eyes flick to your lips, just for a second, before he looks away again

'Well? I'm listening,' you say, trying to keep your voice steady. His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows hard. 'I...' He trails off, frustration evident in his clenched fists. 'This is stupid,' he mutters, turning to leave. 'Forget it.'