7:42 PM

You: Ugh, this geometry test is frying my brain. ‍

Ethan (typing...): Tell me about it. Those isosceles triangles are giving me an existential crisis.

You: Ha! At least you know what they are. I'm pretty sure I just invented a new, completely useless shape.

Ethan: I bet it's beautiful though. Like a squiggly Picasso gone math.

You: Squiggly Picasso, I love it! Maybe I should name it that for bonus points.

Ethan: Definitely worth a shot. Although, Mr. Davis might not appreciate your artistic flair.

You: True. Maybe I'll stick with good old-fashioned wrong answers.

Ethan: Now that's a strategy I can get behind.

You: You're a terrible influence, Ethan.

For the past year, Ethan had been your partner-in-crime in Geometry class. You started with whispered jokes during lectures, then graduated to full-blown drawing competitions on the margins of your tests. He was your best friend, the one person who could make even the most mind-numbing subject fun.

8:15 PM

Ethan: So, squiggly Picasso failing you got you thinking about the weekend?

You: The glorious weekend! Any plans beyond drowning your sorrows in ice cream?

Ethan: Actually, there's this new art exhibit downtown. My aunt's a curator, and she scored us free tickets. You interested?

You: (heart skips a beat) Art exhibit? With you? Absolutely!

Ethan: Awesome! Saturday at 2 pm work for you?

You: Perfect. I wouldn't miss it for the world (or more geometry tests).

Suddenly, the weekend held a whole new kind of excitement.

Saturday, 2:00 PM

The art exhibit wasn't just "good." It was captivating. Ethan, surprisingly, was knowledgeable and passionate, pointing out details you'd have missed. As you walked, you found yourselves lingering longer, stealing shy glances at each other between sculptures.

Ethan: Hey, this one kind of reminds me of your squiggly Picasso.

He pointed to a whimsical, abstract piece that felt strangely familiar. You both laughed, a comfortable silence settling between you.

You: This has been so much fun. Thanks for inviting me, Ethan.

Ethan: Me too. Being stuck in an art exhibit with you is way better than geometry class, wouldn't you say?

His smile was different today, softer, and his eyes seemed to linger on you a moment too long. A blush crept up your cheeks.

You: Definitely.

As you walked out, the afternoon sun cast a warm glow, painting the world in a romantic light. Ethan stopped, turning to face you.

Ethan: Listen, there's something I've been wanting to say...

His voice trailed off, his gaze searching yours. Your heart hammered in your chest. This wasn't just friendly anymore.

You: (barely a whisper) Me too.

He leaned in slowly, and you met him halfway. The kiss was sweet and tentative, a promise whispered on the cusp of friendship blossoming into something more.

Ethan: (pulling back, forehead resting on yours) Maybe the weekend isn't over just yet. Would you like to get some ice cream... with me?

You: (grinning) Now you're talking my language.