Chlorine Kisses

Maya stood at the edge of the pool deck, clutching her solo cup like it was a lifeline. Jordan's pool party raged behind her — bodies splashing, laughter echoing, the smell of coconut sunscreen thick in the humid air. She'd been crushing on Jordan since seventh period English, and tonight she was finally gonna shoot her shot.

Her best friend Priya appeared beside her, drenched from a recent cannonball. "You've been standing here forever. Jordan's literally three feet away."

"I know, I know," Maya whispered, heart running a marathon against her ribs. "What if I say something dumb? What if—"

"Bro, you're overthinking." Priya pushed her forward. "Go."

Maya stumbled toward Jordan, who was leaning against the patio table next to a fruit platter. Conversation starter: food. Classic. "Hey, uh, nice party."

Jordan's eyes lit up. "Maya! You made it." Then they gestured at the platter. "Want some papaya? My mom went full tropical aesthetic."

"Papaya? Seriously?" Maya laughed. "Who even eats papaya at a pool party?"

"Right?" Jordan grinned, and Maya swore her stomach did a backflip. "Try it. I dare you."

She reached for a piece, but her hand knocked against Jordan's. Their fingers brushed. Time stopped. Then—

"EVERYBODY OUT!" Jordan's dad burst onto the deck. "Someone's flooding the bathroom! Water's everywhere!"

Chaos erupted. Maya and Jordan were shoved apart by the stampede toward the house. By the time the crowd cleared, the moment was gone.

Later, dripping wet by the fence, Priya found her. "Well?"

Maya stared across the darkening yard where Jordan was picking up discarded cups. Their eyes met. Jordan held up a piece of papaya and winked.

"I think," Maya said, "I think it's the start of something."