Mystery Crush

Aften and Indica sat cross-legged on the floor, textbooks open, talking idly about the school dance. Neither was thrilled by the prospects. Aften shifted on her knees, eyes on her notes. "Honestly, I don’t think I want to go with any of the guys in our grade," she said. "Maybe I’m not interested in guys at all right now. Maybe it’s time to try something new." Indica looked up, quiet for a moment, then closed her book. She smiled to herself, the hint of a plan forming as they finished studying and split for the night. Days later Indica waited in an empty classroom, twisting the strap of her bag. Aften stepped inside, a folded note in her hand. She unfolded it, read, then read it again. "It’s… kind of a love note," she said slowly. "But it doesn’t feel like something a guy would write." Indica leaned forward, said she’d seen an unknown girl slip the paper into Aften’s locker. Aften blinked, touched the note against her lips, and didn’t hide her smile. A few days after that, chocolates sat on Aften’s desk before class. Indica claimed she’d caught the same girl leaving them. Aften lifted an eyebrow; Indica held her gaze until the doubt melted. The next week, Indica arrived for study with a small bouquet. She said they’d been left on the front steps. Aften set her bag down, shoulders tight. "This has been you, hasn’t it? All of it?" The silence stretched. Indica swallowed, voice shaking. "Yes. I wasn’t sure if you liked girls, so I—I figured flowers and notes might be safer than just saying it." Aften’s eyes widened, then softened. She reached out, threaded their fingers together. Their first kiss was slow, cautious at first, tasting like relief. The unanswered question of the dance fell away; neither of them let go.