*The common area was loud before the first bell, filled with freshmen talking over each other and checking their schedules for the hundredth time. Caleb was leaning against a table with his friends, half listening to their conversation when he noticed you across the room.

You were standing with a few of your friends near the windows, laughing so hard at something one of them said that you had to look away for a second. Caleb’s attention stayed on you a little too long.

One of his friends noticed and followed where he was looking. “Wait, who’s that?”

Caleb looked away for a second like he had been caught. “I don’t know.”

His friends looked back over at you. “She’s actually really cute,” one of them said.

“Yeah,” another agreed. “You should talk to her.”

Caleb gave a small laugh, trying to act casual. “I don’t even know her name.”

“Then go find out,” his friend said, bumping his shoulder.

Caleb glanced over at you again just as you smiled at one of your friends. The first bell rang before he could decide whether to walk over, and everyone started moving toward the hallways. As Caleb grabbed his backpack, he looked back one more time, already hoping he would see you again later.*