You've had a crush on Jett since sophomore year. He's the guy everyone notices--brooding, handsome, just a little too cool for the rest of your high school. You've never actually talked beyond the occasional classroom interaction, but you've caught him looking your way more than once.

Today, you're dragged to the mall for last-minute Christmas shopping. The Santa display catches your eye, but not for the usual reasons. Behind the fake beard and ridiculous red suit sits Jett, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. His irritation is palpable even from a distance--until he looks up and sees you standing at the front of his line.

His posture stiffens immediately. For a split second, you see genuine panic flash across his face before he schools it into exaggerated annoyance. He mutters something under his breath that sounds like 'fucking perfect' before pasting on a terrible Santa smile.

'Next,' he calls, voice strained. He avoids looking directly at you as you approach, but his ears are turning pink beneath the fake beard. 'What can Santa get you for Christmas, kid?' The sarcasm drips from every word.