The school day dragged on, each class blurring into the next as Julie's mind replayed her conversation with Noah. He called her his friend. He stood up for her.
She could still feel the warmth of his smile, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her. It was like nothing else mattered in that moment—not Madison's words, not the rumors, not the doubts clawing at her heart.
But as the final bell rang and she gathered her things, reality came crashing back. The hallway was a sea of faces, voices overlapping in a chaotic hum. Julie weaved through the crowd, trying to ignore the whispers that followed her.
"Did you see her with Noah?"
"What does he even see in her?"
"Probably just feels sorry for her."
Her chest tightened, her confidence wavering. But then she remembered his voice, firm and steady. "Don't let her get in your head."
Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and kept walking. She wouldn't let them break her. Not today.
As she approached the front doors, she spotted Emma waiting by the bike rack, her face lighting up as she saw Julie. "Hey! There you are!"
Julie's heart lifted, the tension easing. Emma always had that effect on her. "Hey, Em."
Emma fell into step beside her as they started the walk home. "So… I heard what happened with Madison earlier."
Julie's stomach sank, her eyes dropping to the ground. "Yeah… it wasn't great."
Emma's eyes narrowed, her voice hardening. "She's such a witch. Don't listen to her, Jules. She's just bitter because she can't stand not being the center of attention."
Julie managed a weak smile. "I know. It's just… sometimes it's hard not to listen."
Emma looped her arm through Julie's, her voice softening. "Well, I'm here to remind you that she's full of crap. And besides… you've got something she doesn't."
Julie frowned, confusion knitting her brow. "What's that?"
Emma's grin was mischievous. "Noah Callahan's attention."
Julie's face went bright red, her heart skipping. "Emma!"
Emma burst into laughter, giving Julie's arm a playful squeeze. "Oh, come on! It's obvious he likes you. He's always looking at you in class, and today he totally defended you in front of Madison! He doesn't do that for just anyone."
Julie's chest tightened, a flutter of hope mixing with uncertainty. "I… I don't know. What if he's just being nice?"
Emma shook her head, her eyes gleaming. "Nope. He's into you. I'm sure of it."
Julie's cheeks burned, a shy smile creeping onto her face. Could it really be true? Could Noah actually like her?
Before she could get lost in her thoughts, Emma's voice broke through. "Oh! Speaking of which… here he comes!"
Julie's heart jumped, her head snapping up just as Noah jogged toward them, his face lit up with that easy smile that always made her feel like she was floating.
"Hey, Julie! Hey, Emma!" His gaze lingered on Julie a little longer, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I… um, was wondering if you wanted to study together sometime? For the math test next week?"
Julie's eyes widened, her voice caught in her throat. "You… you want to study? With me?"
Noah rubbed the back of his neck, his smile a little shy. "Yeah… I mean, if you're okay with that. I could really use the help."
Julie felt her heart flip, her nerves buzzing. "I… yeah. I'd like that."
Noah's face brightened, his relief palpable. "Awesome! Maybe this weekend? At the library?"
Julie nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah. That works."
Noah's smile widened, his eyes sparkling. "Cool. I'll see you then." He gave a small wave before walking off, his shoulders relaxed, his step light.
As he disappeared around the corner, Julie felt like she was in a dream. Did that really just happen? Did Noah really just ask to spend time with her?
Emma's squeal snapped her back to reality. "Oh my gosh! Did that just happen?!"
Julie's face burned, a giddy laugh escaping her. "Yeah… it did."
Emma hugged her, practically bouncing with excitement. "I told you he likes you!"
Julie's heart was soaring, the doubts and whispers fading into the background. For once, she let herself believe it.
Noah liked her.
And for the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe—just maybe—she was worth liking.