Back at school, a history group project threw Jeremiah and Zoey together again. They were paired with two other classmates, but most of the work fell into their hands — not that either of them minded.
They spent hours researching and writing, their focus occasionally drifting from textbooks to laughter and playful teasing. For Jeremiah, these moments became little anchors in his week, something to look forward to in a sea of homework and stress.
One night, while working on the project at Zoey's house, her younger brother barged in, yelling about video games. She blushed furiously, shoving him out.
"Sorry," she muttered. "He's impossible."
Jeremiah just laughed. "He seems cool. Annoying, but cool."
She rolled her eyes. "You're too nice."
Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, everything was still.