The Pressure is On

The next day, I woke up with a pit in my stomach.

Ryan Parker was nothing to me—just another guy at school. But now? He was the guy who had casually asked Emma to a show while I stood there like an idiot.

And the worst part? She didn't say no.

All I could think about was Leo and Matt's words.

"Do you really want Ryan to swoop in while you're busy overthinking?"

No. I didn't.

So today? Today, I was going to do something about it.

---

A Missed Opportunity

At school, I saw Emma before first period, sitting on a bench outside the building, scrolling through her phone. She looked up when she noticed me.

"Hey," she greeted, smiling.

"Hey," I said, taking a seat beside her.

For a moment, I just sat there, feeling the weight of everything I wanted to say.

I needed to ask her. Make it clear before someone else did.

I opened my mouth—

"So… about Ryan's show," she said suddenly.

I froze.

She gave me a hesitant look. "I was thinking… maybe we could go? You know, together?"

My brain short-circuited. "Wait. What?"

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I mean, it could be fun. And I don't really want to go alone, so… I thought maybe you'd come with me?"

A wave of relief crashed over me. She wanted to go with me. Not Ryan.

I almost laughed at how stupid I had been for overthinking everything.

I smirked. "Are you asking me on a date, Emma?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "No, Jake, I'm asking if you want to go watch some music with me."

I chuckled, but inside, I knew this meant something.

"Alright," I said. "I'll go."

She grinned. "Good. It's Friday night at The Spot."

I nodded. "Cool. Guess I have plans then."

As I walked to class, I felt like I had won something.

Maybe I didn't ask her out today. But now?

Now, we had something that felt dangerously close to a date.

And I wasn't about to waste it.

---

Leo and Matt's Reactions (Of Course)

At lunch, I broke the news to Leo and Matt.

Me: So, Emma asked me to Ryan's show on Friday.

Leo choked on his drink. "SHE asked YOU?"

Matt shook his head in disbelief. "Bro, you just got saved by pure luck."

I smirked. "Or maybe she just wanted me to go with her."

Leo squinted. "Nah, I refuse to believe you got this lucky without doing anything."

Matt nudged me. "This is it, man. Your moment. Make it count."

I nodded. "Oh, I will."

Bec

ause come Friday night?

I was going to make sure Emma knew exactly how I felt.

---