Monday morning felt different.
Autumn walked into school knowing something had shifted.
People looked the same.
The halls sounded the same.
But she felt it.
Like a storm waiting.
When she opened her locker—
A hand slammed it shut.
She turned sharply.
Luca stood there.
Dark hair falling into his eyes.
He looked amused.
"You disappeared fast Friday."
"You were surrounded by people."
"I noticed."
She leaned against the locker.
"You texted me."
"I did."
"You're bold over text."
"Not just over text."
His voice had dropped slightly.
Autumn's pulse quickened.
"You said something interesting that night," she said carefully.
"What's that?"
"That next time you wouldn't stop."
Luca stepped closer.
Close enough that she could feel his warmth.
"Still true."