Something in the Air

The walk back from the lake was quieter than before, but it wasn't the awkward kind of silence—it was the kind that felt right. Like there were a million things that could be said, but none of them needed to be spoken just yet.

Emma walked beside me, her hands tucked into the pockets of her hoodie. The cool evening breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of lake water and pine.

I kept replaying her words in my head.

"You're different, Jake… I like that about you."

What did that mean? Was she just being nice, or was there something more?

I wanted to ask. I wanted to say something—anything—to push the moment further. But I didn't want to ruin whatever this was turning into.

---

When we reached her street, she slowed down.

"This is me," she said, nodding toward her house. The porch light was already on, casting a warm glow on the steps.

"Yeah," I said, rubbing the back of my neck. "Guess I should head home."

She hesitated for a second, then turned to face me fully. "Thanks for coming with me today. I know it wasn't anything special, but… I liked it."

I met her gaze. "It was special."

Her expression softened, and for a brief moment, it felt like time had stopped. Like we were standing on the edge of something neither of us fully understood yet.

Then, just as quickly, she gave me a small smile and stepped back toward her porch. "See you tomorrow, Jake."

I watched as she disappeared inside, the door clicking shut behind her.

I stood there for a few seconds, exhaling as I tried to process everything.

Yeah.

Something was definitely in the air.

---

The Group Chat Chaos

When I finally got home, I tossed my bag onto my bed and collapsed onto my mattress, staring up at the ceiling. My phone buzzed beside me.

Leo: Bro, where have you been? We barely saw you after school.

Matt: Don't tell me you were with HER.

I sighed, shaking my head with a smirk. These guys…

Me: Who's "her" again?

Leo: Ohhh so we're playing dumb now?

Matt: Jake and Emma, sitting in a tree…

Me: You guys are children.

Leo: Says the guy who's clearly in love.

I felt my face heat up even though no one could see me.

Me: I'm not—

Matt: Oh, you SO are. Just admit it.

I groaned, knowing there was no point arguing. They weren't wrong.

I didn't just like Emma.

I was falling for her.