"The Day Everything Changed"
From that day on, he started looking at me differently.
It wasn't just a passing glance anymore. Every time I walked into a room, I could feel his eyes on me — warm, curious, lingering. It made me feel a strange mix of emotions: incredibly self-conscious, yet secretly thrilled. There was something electric in the air whenever I caught him watching me — something that made my heart beat faster, even if I pretended not to notice.
He began liking all of my Instagram stories. Every single one. Whether it was a random sunset I captured on my way home, a blurry snap of my coffee, or a short clip of my cat being annoying, he reacted with hearts, clapping emojis, or fire. At first, I thought maybe it was just a coincidence — but it kept happening. It was like he was sending silent messages through double taps and emoji reactions.
Then came Wednesday.
Just like every other week, I made my way to computer class. I remember it clearly — the sky was grey, and the wind was chilly against my skin. I walked into the classroom with my usual neutral expression, trying to ignore the familiar flutter of nerves that always came with the possibility of seeing him again.
And there he was.
He walked in moments after I sat down. My heart skipped. He didn't look at me right away, but I saw him out of the corner of my eye. He took his usual seat — second row, near the door — while his best friend, Blae, plopped down beside him.
The teacher began the lecture, talking about coding basics, but I couldn't focus. My eyes drifted toward him now and then, and I caught him doing the same once or twice. There was something in his gaze that felt... different. As if he was trying to say something without words.
About twenty minutes into class, the teacher got a phone call and excused herself to take it outside. The classroom fell into a dull buzz of whispered conversations and muted keyboard tapping. Then Blae stood up, saying he was going to the bathroom, and on his way past, he playfully smacked him on the shoulder — the way close friends do.
I watched them quietly, trying not to stare. When Blae came back, they both started teasing each other like little kids, laughing, hitting each other's arms and joking around. And then — I don't know why it happened, or what came over me — but I saw them hold hands briefly, like a mock gesture, a part of their silly back-and-forth.
My stomach twisted. I felt a rush of emotions I couldn't explain — jealousy, confusion, maybe even betrayal. I wasn't even sure why. It's not like he was mine. But seeing him laugh and touch someone else like that — even in jest — made something sharp stir inside me.
Without thinking, I stood up.
"Can you guys keep it down?" I said, louder than I intended. The room went dead silent. Every pair of eyes turned to look at me. My face flushed instantly, and I wanted to disappear. My voice had cracked slightly. I could feel the embarrassment rising like fire under my skin.
He looked stunned. Blae raised an eyebrow, smirking.
No one said a word.
I sat down slowly, wishing I could melt into the chair, disappear completely, or rewind time and just keep my mouth shut.
As soon as the class ended, I grabbed my bag and rushed out. I didn't wait for anyone, didn't look back, didn't even breathe until I was out of the school gates. I ran — not because I was late, not because I had anywhere urgent to be, but because I needed to escape the storm of emotions brewing inside me.
That day didn't go how I imagined. I thought maybe he would come up and talk to me. Maybe he would smile again like he did online, or say something small that would make my heart leap. But instead, I walked home with burning cheeks and a thousand questions in my head.
Still… I couldn't stop thinking about the way he looked at me.
Maybe something had started. Or maybe it was all in my head.
But one thing was certain — after that day, something between us had changed.
Forever.