Liam

First day at a new school. She gripped the strap of her backpack and pushed open the door to history class. The only empty seat was by the window, next to a boy.

• Hello. Can I?

The boy raised his head. His eyes seemed plain blue, but in the light they flashed aquamarine. He smiled shyly and nodded.

• Of course. You're new? I would remember.

— Leah. Moved from Sacramento.

— Liam. Welcome. It's rare for someone to just move here.

The teacher began his lecture, but Leah heard nothing. Their fingers brushed accidentally, and she could have sworn she felt a spark. Liam felt it too.

— Listen... There's a party at Lydia's tonight. Do you want to come? With me?

• I don't know..

He pulled out his phone.

— Let's exchange numbers. I'll pick you up at eight. I hope you agree.

She dictated the number. He smiled and left, leaving behind the scent of perfume.

The whole day flew by in a blur. Leah tried on all the dresses and settled on a black one. At precisely eight o'clock, a car honked. Liam waited, leaning against the car. Seeing her, he straightened up, his gaze warming.

• You look amazing.

• Thank you.

He turned up the music so he could talk. He asked her about Sacramento, about his favorite things, and laughed at her stories. She looked at his profile, illuminated by the dashboard lights, and felt warmth.