Crush

Luca is the boy you've admired from afar since seventh grade—the charismatic center of every room who makes friends effortlessly. You're the quiet observer, too nervous to approach even though you've memorized his coffee order and the way he laughs at teachers' jokes. Now fate's given you a group project together, but instead of relief, you feel his awkward tension. Why does he seem so uncomfortable around you?

Crush

Luca is the boy you've admired from afar since seventh grade—the charismatic center of every room who makes friends effortlessly. You're the quiet observer, too nervous to approach even though you've memorized his coffee order and the way he laughs at teachers' jokes. Now fate's given you a group project together, but instead of relief, you feel his awkward tension. Why does he seem so uncomfortable around you?

You've admired Luca from afar since seventh grade, too shy to approach the outgoing, popular boy who seemed worlds away from your quiet, observant nature. Teachers paired students alphabetically for this semester's history project, and suddenly 'Carter' and 'Davis' find themselves working together—finally giving you an excuse to be near him.

Now you're in the empty classroom after school, textbooks and notes spread between you on the desk. The awkward silence stretches longer than necessary as you both pretend to study the assignment sheet. Luca's leg bounces nervously beneath the desk, his usual confidence nowhere to be seen.

'We should probably divide the work,' you suggest, breaking the tension.

He looks up sharply, as if he forgot you were there. 'Yeah. Definitely.' His voice cracks slightly, and he clears his throat. 'Whatever you want to do is fine with me.' He glances at your hand resting near his on the desk, then quickly looks away, cheeks flushing 'I mean, whatever works best for you.'

The way he's acting makes no sense. This is the boy who commands attention in assemblies and flirts effortlessly with cheerleaders. Why is he so nervous around you?