ᴇᴄʜᴏᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ

Flirting Isn't Easy When You're Falling

Sarah's POV

Sarah couldn't help but smirk as she watched Izuko walk toward her locker, still a bit dazed after their teasing back and forth from yesterday. She knew she was being a little extra with all the flirting, but something about making Izuko blush? Totally worth it.

They'd always had this push-and-pull vibe, but now that they were older, it felt... different. More intense. And honestly? Sarah was all for it.

She spotted Izuko at her locker, her usual bright-eyed, head-in-the-clouds self. Time to get things going. Sarah casually leaned against the locker next to her, letting her voice drop just enough to grab Izuko's attention.

"Hey there, sunshine," she murmured, eyes flicking up to meet Izuko's, "survive yesterday without me?"

Izuko raised an eyebrow, trying to keep her cool, but Sarah noticed the little hint of a smile. She knew she had an effect on Izuko—and lately, it had been driving her crazy. The game was shifting, and suddenly, she wasn't just flirting for fun. Now, she was flirting because, deep down, she wanted Izuko to feel the same.

Izuko crossed her arms, feigning annoyance. "Barely. You and your endless teasing almost took me out, you know."

"Oh, so you did think about me?" Sarah replied, her smirk growing. There it was again—the slight blush creeping up Izuko's cheeks, and for Sarah, it was like fuel to a fire she wasn't ready to put out.

They both laughed it off, but then Izuko softened, her voice quieter. "It's nice to have you around again, Sarah. Just... you know, us being close."

For a moment, Sarah felt her own heart do a little flip. She wanted to say so much more, to tell her that it was more than just "nice" for her, but something held her back. Instead, she gave Izuko a nudge, letting a bit of her real thoughts slip out. "Yeah, me too, Izu."

Lunchtime – The Drama Continues

In the cafeteria, the whole crew had gathered at their usual table, and everyone was in high spirits. But, of course, Jenna was practically bouncing, eager to share the latest school gossip.

"Alright, listen up!" Jenna announced, practically vibrating with excitement. "You won't believe this one. Natasha has a new 'couples list' out, and guess who's topping it?"

Sarah already knew the answer—Natasha's list was always a mess, but the rumors didn't bother her as much as they did Izuko. She leaned back, putting on an exaggerated face of mock seriousness.

"Oh, please," she drawled, "is Izuko and me 'Couple Number One?'"

Izuko choked on her drink, glaring at Sarah. "Are you serious? Natasha is just stirring up drama, you know that!"

Sarah gave a casual shrug. "What if it isn't just Natasha stirring things up?" She reached across, lightly brushing Izuko's hand, and Izuko's gaze darted up to meet hers. For a moment, the entire group seemed to fade away, and Sarah could've sworn she saw something in Izuko's eyes, something soft and real.

Nya: "Ooooo, look at you two! Couple Number One indeed!"

Sarah watched Izuko squirm, biting back a laugh. Watching Izuko's struggle to keep her cool only made Sarah's flirting more fun, but she had to admit—there was more to it. She wasn't just messing around anymore.

Avy: "You know, Sarah, for someone who claims they're just 'close friends,' you sure are giving everyone reasons to talk."

Sarah met Avy's gaze, unflinching. "Maybe that's what I want."

Izuko looked away, visibly flustered, her cheeks a shade pinker than usual. Sarah could feel her own face warming up, but she kept her gaze steady, hoping Izuko might see what was really going on beneath the teasing.

Later That Day – A Moment Alone

When lunchtime ended, Sarah and Izuko walked out of the cafeteria, falling into step side by side. Neither said much at first, but there was a charged silence between them.

After a few minutes, Sarah cleared her throat. "Look, Izu, about what I said back there... I know I mess with you, but..." She paused, searching for the right words. "I like being around you, okay? Maybe I just... like making you smile."

Izuko's steps slowed as she glanced at Sarah, her expression soft. "I know. You're good at it."

The words hit Sarah deeper than she'd expected. She wanted to say so much more, to tell Izuko that there was more behind the flirting, the teasing, the endless banter. But for now, she just smiled, brushing it off with her usual confidence.

"Good," she said, nudging Izuko's shoulder with her own, "then my job here is done."

But as they parted ways for class, Sarah knew the truth: her job wasn't even close to done. If anything, it was just beginning.