It had become the best part of her week.
Every time Amira touched the notebook, it felt warm—like it held a secret that was just theirs. A heartbeat in paper form. Something only they understood.
That Monday, the classroom was noisy with midterm stress, but her world quieted the moment she flipped open to the next page.
His handwriting was a little neater this time. Softer, somehow.
"So… I think I have a problem.
I may be crushing on someone. And the strange part is, I'm not sure if it's real… or if it's because of the words.
But I'm serious. The way you write—it does something to me. You sound like someone I want to know outside these pages.
You once said you'd melt if I said these things to your face. What if I told you… I think I'd melt too?
Tell me something honest. Do you feel it too? Or is it just me being hopeless on paper?"
Amira's cheeks turned hot. Her breath hitched.
This wasn't just writing anymore.
This was feeling.
This was real.
She looked up, scanning the classroom. He could be anyone. He could be him.
Jayden Cole sat a few rows back, arms crossed, eyes on the board… but he wasn't paying attention. His fingers were tapping lightly against his desk.
Was it him?
She couldn't know.
Not yet.
But her heart had its suspicions—and it was beating too fast to be casual.
She pulled the notebook close, her pencil ready.
" Okay. Honesty? Yes.
I feel it. Whatever this is. It's slow and warm and scary in a good way.
Sometimes I imagine you beside me. Not saying much, just… there. Your presence feels familiar, even if I don't know who you are.
And maybe it's crazy, but I think I'd want to kiss you one day.
A soft one. The kind that tastes like courage.
Is that too much? I don't know.
But this doesn't feel like pretend anymore.
— Me, blushing harder than I ever have in my life"
---
Jayden read her reply alone in his room that night.
Twice. Then again.
His lips curved into a slow smile.
" She wants to kiss me" he whispered.
The idea left him dazed wondering what her lips would feel like. Wondering how it would feel to finally look at her and know: this is the girl who made me fall for words again.
And without even knowing her name, Jayden knew one thing:
He was already falling.