A Leap of Love

Chapter 6

Lily sat by the indoor pool, her heart still fluttering from the conversation she overheard. A mischievous smile crept across her face as she thought about what to do next. The idea of sneaking closer to JJ while staying hidden sparked a playful excitement in her chest. After all, she had the perfect way to stay unseen.

With a small giggle, she took a deep breath, and in a soft shimmer of light, she transformed back into her tiny, adorable frog form. Her skin was now smooth and green, she felt light and free, hopping quietly out of the pool area and back toward the living room where the Pogues were still talking. She moved silently, her tiny legs carrying her easily across the floor as she weaved through the shadows, making sure no one saw her.

As she neared the living room, she spotted JJ sitting on the couch, looking deep in thought, lost in the conversation about the mysterious girl. Lily hopped carefully around the furniture, her little frog body nimble and quiet. She paused behind JJ, close enough to hear every word, yet safely hidden from view.

"I mean, I've had crushes before," JJ was saying, his voice low and serious. "But this was different. I don't know how to explain it. She wasn't like anyone else. There was something... real between us."

Lily's tiny heart skipped a beat, hearing the sincerity in his voice. JJ was still thinking about her, even now. She wanted to leap into his arms and tell him it was her, but instead, she stayed perfectly still, her little frog eyes wide as she listened. She smiles softly wondering what he was thinking.

Kiara chimed in, leaning against the couch. "You're sure you didn't imagine it? Maybe it was just a random girl, and you're building it up because it's fun to think about."JJ shook his head, his expression resolute. "No way. It wasn't just in my head. I know what I felt. And the way she kissed me—it wasn't some random thing. She felt it too."Lily's cheeks, even in her frog form, would have been burning with embarrassment and excitement if they could. Her little frog body trembled slightly as she absorbed JJ's words. He was still thinking about that kiss, the one she'd been replaying in her mind since the moment it happened.

"I don't know, man," John B said with a grin. "Sounds like you're in love."JJ rolled his eyes, but there was a small smile on his face. "Maybe I am," he muttered under his breath, though there was a hint of warmth in his voice that made Lily's heart flutter even faster.From her spot behind JJ, Lily watched the way he absentmindedly tapped his foot on the floor, his mind clearly elsewhere. She wanted so badly to reveal herself, to tell him that the girl he was searching for was right behind him, but the thought of him finding out her secret made her hesitate.

Instead, she stayed still, quietly watching and listening, her tiny frog body hidden from view. For now, she would enjoy being close to him, even if he didn't know it. It was safer this way—keeping her secret, staying out of sight. But even as a little frog, Lily knew that this secret couldn't stay hidden forever.