Zombie Mode Activated

Marcus dragged himself through the hallway Friday morning, full-on zombie mode after staying up until 3 AM finishing his English essay. His eyes burned, his brain felt like mush, and he was currently running on nothing but anxiety and an expired energy drink he'd found in his backpack.

"You look dead, bro," Carlos said, falling into step beside him. "Rough night?"

"Don't even ask." Marcus yawned. "I think I saw actual zombies in the reflection of my monitor at 2 AM."

Their conversation cut short when Maya walked past, laughing with her friends like she didn't have a care in the world. Marcus's stomach did that stupid flippy thing it always did when she was around. He'd been lowkey spy-ing on her Instagram stories for months now – watching from afar like a total creep while she lived her best life without ever noticing he existed.

"Dude, you're staring again," Carlos whispered. "Just talk to her."

"Easy for you to say. You're not in love with her."

Carlos snorted. "Love? You've spoken literally three words to her since freshman year. That's not love, that's an obsession."

Before Marcus could defend himself, Tyler, the biggest bull-shitter in school, slammed his locker shut nearby. "Yo, did you guys hear about Jason's party Saturday? Apparently, Jordan tried to hook up with Maya and she completely shut him down."

Marcus's heart did a weird little jump. Jordan was gorgeous, confident, everything Marcus wasn't. If Maya had rejected him, maybe Marcus still had a chance?

"That's such bull," someone else said. "Jordan's been telling everyone they're practically dating."

"Spy-king strikes again," Tyler grinned. "My little sister's friends with Jordan's sister. Maya literally told Jordan she wasn't looking for anything right now. He's just saving face."

The bell rang, snapping Marcus out of it. As he zombie-walked to first period, something clicked. Maybe Maya wasn't rejecting guys because they weren't good enough. Maybe she just wasn't ready.

Or maybe Marcus was just reaching because he didn't want to admit he was still running in place while everyone else moved forward.

Either way, he decided right there: next time Maya posted a story, he wouldn't just watch from the sidelines. He'd actually reply.

Baby steps.