Jared’s eyes locked onto Eve’s as he walked toward her in the school hallway, a deliberate smile spreading across his face like he had something planned.
“Hey, Eve! I’ve been wanting to talk to you,” Jared said, sounding easygoing and friendly, like it was no big deal.
Eve’s eyes narrowed a bit, as if she were trying to figure out what he was up to. “What’s going on, Jared?”
“I just wanted to say congrats on your performances,” Jared said, his voice sounding really genuine. “You’re doing amazing. I honestly think you’re going to win this contest.”
Eve paused for a moment, a little surprised by the compliment. She wasn’t used to people praising her like that, at least not in a way that felt so real.
Her face softened, her smile fading just for a second before she pulled herself togeth
