Over the next few weeks, Jeremiah found small ways to interact with Zoey. They would talk about class, or the latest homework assignment, and each time, he felt a little less scared. She was kind, funny, and not at all like the perfect, untouchable image he'd created in his head. She was just... Zoey. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.
One day, after school, Zoey caught up with him outside the building.
"Jeremiah, wait up!" she called, her voice familiar now.
Jeremiah turned, surprised. "Yeah?"
"I was wondering," Zoey began hesitantly, "if you'd want to grab a coffee or something this weekend? I mean, we could just hang out if you want. No big deal."
Jeremiah's heart skipped. She was asking him out? Well, sort of. It didn't matter. This was his moment. And this time, there were no nerves, no hesitations.
"I'd like that," he said with a smile that felt as natural as breathing.
Zoey's smile grew wider. "Great! I'll text you."
As they parted ways, Jeremiah couldn't stop grinning. He'd taken the leap, and maybe, just maybe, it would turn into something even more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. The kind of thing they didn't write about in books or show in movies. The kind of thing that was real.