Goldfish Secrets

Maya's iPhone lay face-up on her comforter, screen lighting up every twenty seconds like some desperate heartbeat. Another like. Another story view. She was practically cyber-stalking Lucas at this point, three weeks into summer and zero progress on the 'actually talk to him' front.

Outside, lightning cracked the sky in half — dramatic weather for her dramatic mood. She flopped onto her bed, addressing the only creature who actually listened to her problems.

"Mr. Bubbles, I'm pathetic."

Her goldfish swam to the glass, mouth opening and closing like he had opinions. Probably that she should slide into Lucas's DMs already.

"Easy for you to say. You don't have overthinking capabilities."

Her phone buzzed. Lucas had posted a new story: him at the lake, sunset reflecting off the water, caption: "Summer's too short for sitting inside."

Maya sat up. That was... specific. Like, almost deliberately specific.

Unless she was reading into it because she WANTED it to be specific. Classic.

Then another notification. From Lucas.

Her thumb hovered, suddenly shaky. She'd been quietly watching his life from afar, gathering intel like the world's most awkward spy, and now what? He'd caught on? Was this a confrontation?

*Lucas Miller: you always watch my stories that fast lol*

Maya stared at her ceiling, then at Mr. Bubbles, who was now aggressively blowing bubbles.

"Okay, so he noticed. Is that good or bad?"

Another buzz.

*Lucas Miller: never mind. you're just always online. that's kinda endearing ngl*

Maya's face went hot. Endearing? Really?

Her thumbs moved before her brain could interfere.

*Maya: lol thanks*

*Lucas Miller: wanna come to the lake? kai and jada are here too. bring snacks if you can*

Lightning flashed again, closer this time. Rain began drumming against her window, and Maya grabbed her sweatshirt, already texting her mom she'd be back before dark.

"Mr. Bubbles, guard my room. Don't let anyone know I literally just wore this sweatshirt yesterday."

She grabbed her wallet, her phone, and suddenly she wasn't watching anymore. She was showing up. The goldfish swam lazy circles, unconcerned with human drama, as Maya grabbed the granola bars from the kitchen and headed into the rain-thick evening, phone buzzing in her pocket with every step.