Derrick

The break had made the courtyard quieter than usual. Most of the students were in the cafeteria, but the two of them stayed there, near the window, as always. They were friends. Close enough to joke around, tease each other… but with that invisible line they had never crossed. She leaned against the wall, looking at him with a lopsided smile. — You're very serious, you know? He raised an eyebrow. "And you're very strange." She laughed, crossing her arms. "I doubt you'll stay serious after this." — After what? She didn't answer. She suddenly leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Silence. He froze instantly, completely taken by surprise, his eyes wide. She recoiled, trying to stifle a laugh, but also feeling her heart racing faster than it should. "See?" she said, trying to sound normal. "It didn't even hurt." But when she looked at him again… He was no longer just surprised. I was looking at her in a different way. More intense. Her smile gradually faded. The air seemed to grow heavier. "Do you think this is a joke?" he asked, his voice lower. She swallowed hard. "It was... just a joke..." He took a step forward. She didn't back down, but she also didn't know what to do. The two came face to face. Very close. Her heart started beating even faster. "Then let me test something too," he murmured. Before she could answer— He leaned down and kissed her. In truth. This time, there was no joking around. She was in shock, her eyes wide open, unable to react, unsure whether to push him away, reciprocate… or just stand there. Meanwhile, he closed his eyes, as if that moment had been stored inside him for a long time. As he slowly walked away… She was still standing there, staring at him, completely surprised. He let out a small sigh, half nervous, half satisfied.