Operation Papaya Fail

Chloe adjusted her sunglasses and pretended to be deeply fascinated by the ingredients list on a bag of chips. Across the pool, Jake was laughing at something Madison said — head tilted back, that perfect laugh that made her stomach do actual gymnastics.

"You are being such a spy," Maya whispered, sliding onto the lounge chair next to her. "Just talk to him already."

"I'm not spying," Chloe hissed, though she absolutely was. "I'm conducting informal research on human social interactions."

"Right. Because staring at Jake's abs for twenty minutes straight is totally research."

Chloe's face burned. Maya wasn't wrong. Jake Rodriguez had been her crush since seventh grade, and now they were juniors and he still didn't know she existed. Meanwhile, Madison — with her perfect hair and effortless vibes — was already making him laugh.

"I'm doomed," Chloe groaned. "I should just stay home and become a plant person."

"Or you could come over here and try this." Maya held out a slice of fruit. "My mom's obsessed with exotic stuff now. It's papaya."

Chloe took it, grateful for the distraction. The fruit was weirdly soft and bright orange inside. She took a giant bite —

And immediately regretted everything.

"Oh my GOD what IS this" she choked, trying desperately to swallow. It tasted like someone had sprayed perfume on a melon.

Maya was losing it. "You just made the most disgusting face ever. Jake literally just looked over."

Chloe whipped around. Sure enough, Jake was watching her, looking concerned.

"Are you okay?" he called from across the pool.

"Fine!" she squeaked. "Just — papaya situation!"

He laughed. Not the polite laugh. The real one.

"Dude, papaya is gross," he yelled back. "I tried it once and almost died."

"RIGHT?" Chloe shouted, suddenly emboldened. "It's like soap married a melon and their baby was WRONG."

Jake actually walked over. Wet shirt. Chlorine smell. This was happening.

"I'm Jake, by the way."

"Chloe. Known hater of papaya."

"Good to know." His eyes crinkled when he smiled. "Hey, some of us are gonna get water slides later. You should come."

"I should definitely come."

"Cool." He paused. "Nice meeting you, Papaya Hater."

Chloe watched him walk back to his friends, her heart doing those gymnastics again. Behind her, Maya was cackling.

"You're welcome," Maya said. "Nothing brings people together like bonding over gross food."

Chloe took off her sunglasses and grinned. Sometimes the worst moments turned into the best ones. And she'd never look at papaya the same way again.