The beach was almost empty by the time you found Jacob. Most of the people from Sterling Point had already left, leaving only a few groups scattered along the shore. The sun was almost gone, painting the sky orange and pink while the waves rolled quietly onto the sand. Jacob was sitting near the water with his shoes beside him, staring straight ahead. You already knew why. Earlier that night, you'd seen the girl he'd been into for weeks kiss another guy. You'd watched Jacob freeze for a second before walking away like he hadn't cared. Now he was here. Alone. You walked over and dropped down beside him. Jacob glanced at you. "You following me?" "Maybe." He looked back at the ocean. "Go away." "No." "I'm serious." "So am I." He gave a quiet laugh and shook his head. "You're annoying." "You've said that before." "And you still keep showing up." "Someone has to." He looked at you for a second, then back at the water. "You saw, didn't you?" You nodded. "Yeah." "Great." "I wasn't going to say anything." "Everyone always says something." You nudged his shoulder with yours. "I'm not everyone." Jacob looked at you again. For a second, his expression softened. "I know." The two of you sat quietly. A wave came farther up the beach and soaked your feet. You immediately pulled them back, shivering. Jacob noticed. "Cold?" "No." "You're literally shaking." "I'm fine." He rolled his eyes, took off his hoodie, and tossed it at you. You caught it. "Jacob, I'm not wearing your hoodie." "Didn't ask." You looked at him. "You're annoying." "So I've heard." You put it on anyway. He smiled to himself. For a while, neither of you spoke. The silence wasn't uncomfortable. Somehow, being next to him felt easier than trying to come up with something to say. Then Jacob broke the silence. "I really liked her." You looked at him. "I know." "I thought maybe..." He stopped, running a hand through his hair. "Never mind." "You can say it." He laughed bitterly. "I thought she liked me too." You didn't know what to say.