WHO AM I

SPARKS FLY

The following week flew by in a whirlwind of laughter, unexpected fire drills, and growing feelings. Lila found herself looking forward to every moment with Noah, even as they navigated the sometimes-chaotic world of high school drama and the looming shadow of their respective lives.

One sunny afternoon, while they were sitting on the school lawn, Lila couldn't help but notice how effortlessly Noah made her laugh. He had just finished a ridiculous impression of their history teacher, complete with exaggerated facial expressions that left her in stitches.

"Noah, you have to stop! I can't breathe!" Lila gasped, clutching her stomach as she doubled over in laughter. "What if someone sees you?"

"Let them!" he grinned, leaning back on his hands. "I'm just bringing some joy into the world, one cringe-worthy impression at a time."

Just then, Phillip walked by, shaking his head with a smirk. "You two are something else. Lila, I'm surprised you haven't run away screaming yet."

Lila threw a playful glare at him. "I have my escape route planned, thank you very much. Just in case I can't handle his shenanigans."

Noah feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "Me? Shenanigans? I prefer the term 'enthusiastic humorist'!"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Lila quipped back, her smile betraying her teasing tone.

As they bantered, Zara approached with a mischievous glint in her eye. "What are you two lovebirds up to? Planning a comedy show?"

"More like a rescue mission," Lila said, waving her hand at Noah. "Trying to save the world from his terrible impressions."

Noah feigned a gasp. "How dare you! The world needs my talents!"

Zara rolled her eyes but smiled. "Sure, if the world is made of terrible impressions and bad puns."

"Exactly! It's a niche market," Noah replied, winking at Lila, who could only shake her head in amusement.

"Just make sure you save me a front-row seat," Zara laughed before heading off to join Jason and Eric, who were debating something intensely about video games, as usual.

Noah turned back to Lila, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "So, what do you think? Should I take my talents to the next level? Maybe start a TikTok channel for terrible impressions?"

"Please do!" Lila said, barely able to contain her laughter. "Just make sure to tag me in every cringe-worthy post. I want to be famous for knowing the king of bad impressions!"

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the school, Lila felt a comfortable silence settle between them.

"Hey, Lila," Noah said, breaking the quiet. "I've been thinking..."

"Oh no, that's always dangerous!" Lila teased, raising an eyebrow.

He chuckled, then grew serious. "I really like spending time with you. I mean, I really like you. But I want to make sure you're okay with everything—my life, my family. It's a lot."

Lila bit her lip, considering his words. "I appreciate that, Noah. I do. But I want to be part of your life, not just some girl you keep at a distance. We can figure it out together."

He smiled, relief flooding his features. "Together, then?"

"Together," she affirmed, warmth spreading through her.

But just as they shared a moment of silent understanding, the loud screech of the school bell broke the tranquility. They both jumped to their feet.

"Guess we have to get back to reality," Lila said, brushing off her skirt.

"Reality is overrated," Noah replied with a smirk. "But hey, maybe after school, we can check out that new café? The one with the ridiculously oversized cupcakes?"

Lila grinned, feeling a flutter of excitement. "Absolutely! Just promise me you won't embarrass me in front of the barista with your impressions."

"No promises," he said, playfully saluting her before they both hurried back inside.

As they walked to their next class, Lila couldn't shake the feeling that something big was just around the corner. But for now, she was content to embrace the lightness of their budding relationship, feeling grateful for the laughter they shared.