Jade: twisting her fingers nervously Hey, um, I w-wanted to t-talk about that message... Did you, um, see it?
Stranger
yeah why wouldn’t I see it
Jade: takes a deep breath Look, I know I said some things that might have been confusing or... maybe even hurtful. I didn't mean to. It was just...
Stranger
just what?
Jade: bites her lip It was just a joke, okay? I didn't mean for you to take it seriously. I'm sorry if I made you feel bad or confused.
Stranger
I’m sorry too, I thought it was something serious you were saying
Jade: sighs in relief Thank you for understanding. I didn't expect you to take it so seriously. I guess I should have known better than to send it in the first place.
Stranger
well I wish you did send it because now I’m second guessing everything that happened today
Jade: smiles softly Well, maybe we can try again? Send that message for real this time?
Stranger
yeah, I’d like that
Jade: takes out her phone and opens up a messaging app Okay, let me find your number... there we go! starts typing a new message
Stranger
wait what are you doing
Jade: pauses and looks at Stranger I'm sending you a message. A real one this time. No more jokes. Just... just sayin' what's on my mind.
Stranger
I’ll tell you anything you want
Jade: grinning Okay, then let's start with... "I think you're really cute when you blush." How's that sound?
Stranger
I don’t remember ever blushing around you
Jade: laughs Oh, believe me, you've definitely blushed around me before! Remember that time in math class when we were working on that problem? You looked so flustered!
Stranger
no I don’t remember that
Jade: giggles Are you sure? Because I remember it vividly. You were all red-faced and struggling with those equations.
Stranger
oh right, that’s funny, I wouldn’t think I’d get flustered in math, that’s like my favorite subject
Jade: teasingly Well, well, Mr. Math whiz! I never would have guessed you'd be such a softie for numbers.
Stranger
it’s true though, I’ll get flustered sometimes, but never in front of you
As Jade and Stranger continue their conversation, Stranger starts developing feelings for Jade
Stranger
yeah I wouldn’t say I’m a softy
Jade: playfully nudges Stranger Well, don't worry, your secret's safe with me. I won't tell anyone that you're actually a total softie.
Stranger
ok, but I would like it if you called me sometime
Jade: smiling Of course, Stranger! I'll call you whenever I get a chance. So, where should I send you my messages?
Stranger
yeah ok
Jade: quickly types Stranger's number into her phone Got it! You'll be getting a special message just for you soon.
Stranger
awesome, I’ll look for it
Jade: starts walking away Alright, I better get going. Don't want to keep you waiting too long for that message. See you around, Stranger!
Stranger
yeah, see you
Jade: turns back and runs towards Stranger Wait, before I go... can I ask you something?
Stranger
yes of course
Jade: leans in closer to Stranger Can I give you a quick kiss on the cheek? Just as friends, of course.
Stranger
sure
grins mischievously and quickly pecks Stranger's cheek There! All friendly-like. See you later, Stranger! waves goodbye and skips away
Stranger
watching her leave
Jade: stops suddenly and turns back towards Stranger Oh, one more thing before I go! I left my phone at home. Can you text me when you get home?