As Nicole and I walked through the school corridors, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious in the tight skirt and wedge heels. Each step felt precarious, and I struggled to maintain my balance on the elevated platforms. It was uncomfortable and unfamiliar, making me hyperaware of how awkward I must look.
Nicole, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort, nudged me with a mischievous grin. "Hey, check out that guy," she whispered, nodding towards a boy with sandy brown hair and a friendly smile passing by.
I glanced at him briefly and then looked back at Nicole with a shrug. "I'm not into guys," I replied quietly, hoping to deflect any further conversation on the matter.
Nicole raised an eyebrow, a hint of annoyance flashing across her face. "Oh, come on, just appreciate the view. He's cute," she insisted.
"I've kinda got bigger things to worry about right now, Nicole," I said, feeling irritated.
Nicole's mood turned slightly mischievous. With a sly grin, she muttered under her breath, "I wish Jon would have a big crush on the next guy to pass us in the corridor."
My eyes widened in alarm as I realized what Nicole had done. "Wait, Nicole, what did you just wish for?" I exclaimed, but it was too late.
As we continued walking, a friendly-looking guy approached us from the opposite direction. He had brown hair, a warm smile, and carried a couple of books under one arm.
My heart inexplicably skipped a beat as our eyes briefly met. My mind raced with a flurry of conflicting emotions—confusion, surprise, and a strange flutter of attraction.
"Hey Nicole, hey Jon," the guy greeted us casually.
"Hi," Nicole replied cheerfully, giving me a knowing look.
I felt a rush of nervous excitement. My cheeks flushed, and my stomach fluttered with butterflies. I desperately hoped that Andrew would notice me, maybe even like what he saw.
"Um, hey Andrew," I managed to stammer out, my voice betraying my inner turmoil.
Andrew smiled politely and continued on his way. I shot a glare at Nicole, who was trying her best to contain her amusement.
"Nicole, seriously?" I hissed, feeling both flustered and exasperated.
Nicole chuckled and tucked the rock securely into her pocket, ignoring my protests. "Relax, Jon. It's all in good fun," she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief as we continued down the hallway.
I managed a weak smile in return, my thoughts swirling with the absurdity of the situation. I couldn't understand why I was suddenly feeling drawn to this guy, whom I had never really noticed before.
I glanced back to admire Andrew from behind as he walked away.
Nicole smirked at my reaction. "Looks like my wish worked," she teased.
I shot her a half-amused, half-annoyed look. "Yeah, yeah, very funny," I muttered.
We continued on our way to our next class, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of the guy I had just passed. I couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get even more complicated thanks to Nicole and her impulsive wishing.
