Orange Peel Secrets

Maya's orange backpack slumped against the cafeteria wall like it was giving up on life.

"You're doing it again," said Jordan, sliding into the seat across from her.

"Doing what?"

"The spy thing. You're literally spying on Kai's table."

Maya rolled her eyes, but her cheeks burned. Jordan was her oldest friend, which meant Jordan could read her like a TikTok algorithm.

"I'm not spying. I'm doing... research."

"On what? His jawline?"

"Shut up."

Jordan sighed, peeling an orange with practiced fingers. Citrus scent burst between them, bright and sharp. "Maya, you've been 'researching' him since September. Just talk to him already."

"Easy for you to say. You're not the one who-"

"-who thinks he drew that picture of you in art class? The one with the orange background?"

Maya's stomach flipped. "He told you about that?"

"No. I'm telling you. Because I saw him drawing it."

Maya froze. "You SAW him?"

"Well, yeah. I sit behind him in art."

"And you didn't tell me?!"

Jordan shrugged, popping an orange slice into his mouth. "I thought you knew. You guys are always making eyes at each other. I figured it was your whole vibe."

"We are NOT making eyes-"

"Maya." Jordan's voice softened. "You've been spying on him all year. Meanwhile, he's been drawing pictures of you with your signature orange backpack." He slid the rest of the orange across the table. "Some spy you are."

Maya looked at Kai's table. He was laughing at something, but then his eyes shifted - and caught hers. His face went pink. He quickly looked away.

Jordan snorted. "Okay, I see what you mean now. He's smooth."

"Shut up." But Maya was grinning.

"Go talk to him."

"What if it's weird?"

"What if it's NOT?"

Maya stood up. Her heart hammered against her ribs.

"You got this," Jordan called.

Maya walked across the cafeteria, orange strap of her backpack slipping off her shoulder. She could feel everyone watching - or maybe it just felt that way.

"Hey," she said, stopping at Kai's table.

Kai looked up, eyes wide. "Hey."

"I like your drawings."

Kai's face turned the color of a ripe tangerine. "You saw them?"

"Jordan saw them. I'm just hearing about it now." She tilted her head. "The orange background was nice."

Kai swallowed. "It's your backpack color. I noticed. You know. Because I notice you."

The silence stretched between them, electric and terrifying.

"I notice you too," Maya said.

Kai smiled. It was a real smile. "Cool."

"Cool," Maya echoed.

Back at her own table, Jordan gave her a thumbs-up. Maya's phone buzzed - a text from Jordan: *Best friend spy agency: SUCCESS. You're welcome.*

Maya grinned, typing back: *You're literally the worst. Also, thank you.*