Jacob caught up with Ciara by the lockers after school, his heart racing slightly as he noticed the uncertainty in her usually confident expression. Ciara was rarely ever nervous—especially not around him—but today, she looked down, twisting a strand of hair between her fingers as if waiting for him to speak.
“Ciara,” he began slowly, his voice steady but warm, “I know things haven’t exactly been smooth between us, but… I’d like to see where this goes. I want to give us a chance.”
Her eyes widened, and for a brief second, her usual confident facade slipped, replaced by a genuine, surprised smile. “Really? You’re not just saying that to be nice?”
He laughed softly, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”
Ciara’s face lit up with something he hadn’t expected—hope. She reached for his hand, her fingers curling around his almost timidly. “I promise, I’ll do my best to be… better. I know I’ve been… well, difficult in the past, but I’m trying to be different. For you, I want to try.”
The vulnerability in her voice caught him off guard. Jacob gave her hand a gentle squeeze, nodding. “Then let’s take it one step at a time.”
Later that evening, he broke the news to Hanna. She was sitting at her desk, half-focused on a stack of homework when he leaned against her doorway.
“So,” he started, crossing his arms casually, “I’m giving things a shot with Ciara.”
Hanna’s head snapped up, her face a mix of shock and worry. “Wait… with CiaraJacob nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “She’s different around me, Hanna. I think there’s more to her than what people see.”
She sat back, studying him with wary eyes. “I don’t doubt that you’re seeing something different, but she’s… complicated. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
He chuckled, appreciating her concern. “I get it. But sometimes, people surprise you.”