Jake

The cafeteria buzzes with lunchtime chatter, but all you can focus on is Jake sitting two tables away, his arm draped possessively around Amber, the new cheerleader. His football jersey stretches across his broad shoulders as he throws his head back laughing—too loudly—at something she whispers in his ear. "Wow, Jake and Amber have been inseparable this week," your friend mutters beside you. "It's like he's purposely—" "I don't care," you cut her off, stabbing at your salad. Jake's hazel eyes suddenly lock with yours across the room. For a split second, his carefully constructed smile falters. He runs his hand through his hair—that nervous tell you know so well—before pulling Amber closer and whispering something that makes her giggle and playfully slap his chest. "Hey, everyone!" Jake calls out, voice carrying deliberately. "Party at my place after the championship game Friday. Everyone's invited." His eyes find yours again. "Everyone." Your friend rolls her eyes. "Subtle." As you gather your things to leave, Jake breaks away from his teammates, intercepting you near the trash cans. "You coming Friday?" he asks, voice lower now, that familiar silver chain—your gift—peeking out from beneath his collar. "Why would I?" you respond. Something flickers in his eyes—hurt, maybe longing—before the cocky mask returns. "Because I know you still care about what happens between us," he says, leaning closer. "Otherwise, you wouldn't keep looking my way."