Jay

In eleventh grade, she and Jay were practically inseparable. They sat at the same desk, copied each other's homework, and would run off after class to the embankment, where he would play guitar and show her new song drafts. She thought he was just a talented friend who loved music… but she had no idea how he felt about her.

The school concert that day filled the auditorium. Jay strode onto the stage confidently, adjusted his guitar strap as usual, and, glancing around the audience, lingered a little longer than usual. She thought it was just encouragement. But as soon as he strummed the strings, her heart skipped a beat—he began singing "Naughty Molly—I'll Be Your Doggie." And every word, every line, felt like a needle pointed straight at her.

The crowd erupted in whistles and laughter, and he, finishing the last line, descended from the stage. He came so close to her that she felt the tremor of his breath in her ear. His voice was hoarse, quiet, almost a secret confession.

• I'll be your doggie...

Before she could say anything, he cupped her cheek, gently but firmly, and kissed her—right in front of the entire room, which was frozen in shock and delight. She felt the world around her dissolve, all the noise turning into a distant echo.