Papaya Kiss and Sweaty Palms

The backyard party was already in full swing, strings of fairy lights weaving between the palm trees that lined the Hernandez's pool. Maya's palms were sweating so much she had to wipe them on her shorts before she could even think about picking up a solo cup.

"You good?" Jordan asked, appearing beside her with that lazy grin that made her stomach do weird gymnastics.

"Yeah, just, you know." Maya shrugged. "Social battery's kinda low tonight."

"Same." Jordan held out a plate. "Try this. My abuela brought it from her garden."

Maya looked down at the bright orange fruit cubes, glistening in the party lights. "What is it?"

"Papaya. With lime and chili." Jordan raised an eyebrow. "Scared?"

"I don't get scared," Maya said, but her voice cracked. She popped a piece into her mouth—and her eyes widened. The sweetness hit first, then the tang of lime, then this slow-building heat from the chili that wasn't spicy, exactly, just... present. "Holy crap. That's actually really good."

Jordan laughed, and their fingers brushed as Maya reached for another piece. Her heart jumped, but she kept it cool. Or tried to.

"So," Jordan said, leaning against the palm tree beside them. "I heard you're going to that art school downtown next year."

"Yeah. Nervous though." Maya exhaled. "Like, what if I'm not actually good? What if everyone else is some prodigy and I'm just... there?"

"Maya." Jordan turned toward her, suddenly serious. "I've seen your sketchbook. You're insane. And I don't say that to just anyone."

Her flush had nothing to do with the chili powder anymore.

"You really think so?"

"I know so." Jordan stepped closer, and Maya's heart was hammering so hard she was sure they could hear it over the bass thumping from the speakers. "And also, I was kinda hoping... maybe we could keep hanging out? Even after you transfer?"

The moment stretched, electric with possibility. Maya had to bear it, this wonderful terrible tension, until she finally found her voice.

"Yeah," she said, and when Jordan's hand found hers, palm against palm, she didn't even care that hers were still kinda sweaty. "I'd really like that."