The next few days were unbearable. Ella avoided Noah, pouring herself into schoolwork and ignoring his texts. Maya tried to talk to her, but she wasn't ready to open up.
Noah, on the other hand, was frustrated beyond belief.
"She won't even listen to me," he groaned to Maya.
"Because she thinks you chose someone else," Maya pointed out. "Wouldn't you be mad if the roles were reversed?"
Noah ran a hand through his hair. "But I didn't choose someone else. I—" He stopped himself, realizing something.
Maya smirked. "There it is."
He groaned. "I like her. I've liked her for months. But she's so damn stubborn, and now she won't even let me explain."
"Then do something about it," Maya said simply.
Noah didn't need to be told twice.
The next day, in the middle of lunch, Noah did something ridiculous.
He stood up on one of the cafeteria tables and clapped his hands together. "Attention, everyone!"
Conversations halted. People turned to stare. Ella, sitting across the room, froze.
"I have something to say," Noah announced, his voice loud and clear. "Actually, it's more like something I should have said weeks ago."
Ella's heart pounded.
"I like you, Ella," he continued, looking directly at her. "I really like you. And I'm an idiot for not saying it sooner."
Whispers spread through the room.
"Also," he added, "Sophie was not in my house that night for any reason except to ask me about guitar lessons. I swear."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Ella covered her face with her hands. This was so embarrassing. But also… kind of amazing.
Noah jumped off the table and made his way to her. "So?" he asked, grinning. "Do I get an answer, or are you gonna make me embarrass myself even more?"
Ella looked at him, unable to hide her smile. "You're such an idiot."
"Yeah, but I'm your idiot," he said.
And just like that, in front of the entire school, she kissed him.
The cafeteria erupted in cheers.