eir small town. Emma couldn't help but feel a nervous excitement as she walked into school. Her mind r

ason almost immediately. He was leaning against his locker, his usual confident posture intact, but there was something different in

," he said as

tucking a strand of

nt. "How was your weekend? You know, besides F

her head. "It was good

th a shrug. "Wish we co

im speak so directly, so honestly. She felt her cheeks warm.

widened. "I

er. Jason gave her a quick wave before disappearing into the cr

ng forward to the moments she'd see Jason between classes, their quick conversations filled with teasing and laughter. For t

diner Jason swore had the best milkshakes in town. Emma spent most of the afternoon

was replaced with a comfortable ease. He complimented her outfit, and she tea

d in, but it gave them plenty to joke about afterward. By the time

ishes creating a warm, lively atmosphere. Jason ordered a chocolate milkshake and a

mischievous glint in his eye. "I've got a ques

yebrow, intrigue

-like, no rules, no expec

shake. "I guess I'd travel," she said slowly. "I'd want to see the world, you

always wanted to do something that mattered. Not just the same old routine everyone expec

a way that felt deeper than word

about that. But I guess... being around you makes me f

behind them. She didn't know what to say, so she

pping around them, Emma felt a strange mix of emotions. She didn't want t

his hands in his pockets. "I had a great time

," Emma

with hers. For a moment, it felt like

Emma leaned up and kissed him. It was quick, almo

on was a mixture of surprise and somet

day," Emma said, her voic

confidence return

oss her face. Whatever this was, it felt like the start of someth