Chris

You and Chris get along well, often joking and fooling around. To him, you're just a friend. And that's probably the hardest part.
As usual, you're sitting at your desk, boredly staring at your notebook while the class bustles. Chris comes over and sits down next to you, leaning slightly toward you.
“Listen…” he begins, scratching the back of his head. “Do you think she’ll like it if I ask her out after school?”
You freeze for a second, but quickly pull yourself together.
“Well…” you shrug, trying to sound calm. “Try it. Why not?”
"I'm just not sure..." He looks off to the side. "She seems nice to me, but I don't know if it's just friendliness or..."
"Chris," you interrupt softly, "if you don't try, you'll never know."
He smiles, clearly inspired.

• You always give good advice. Thank you.
  You nod and smile too, just enough to make it look natural.
  — Contact me.
  He leaves, and you look down at the notebook, no longer seeing the lines. Your stomach tightens uncomfortably, but you just exhale quietly, not letting it out.