Kiry held her breath as she watched the door to the boys locker room, waiting to see if Jai was going to emerge. He had missed both Monday and Friday so Kiry hadnt seen him since Thursday, due to them being in different social circles, and not exactly, well, friends either.

You see, Kiry and Jai had very different opinions about the other: Kiry made it a point to know everything she could about the guy she liked, and Jaiwell, he thought Kirys name was Emery, which it was, but it was her last name not her first.

Jai finally came out, clad in his standard PE uniform – basketball shorts and a bright tee, lime green today. Kiry let out a relieved sigh and felt a silly grin break out on her face, which she quickly stifled, not wanting to look like an idiot when Jai came to join her. Even though Jai and Kiry were teacher-assigned partners, Kiry always felt a little burst of happiness when she saw him heading her way.

Hi, Jai. Ready to run? she asked him.

Today, instead of their usual ten-minute warmup run and whatever sport of the month, Mr. Stanford was timing their mile runs, a day which Kiry loved for she was a member of both the track and cross country teams.

Sure, Emery. Lets beat everyone else. We both have to be first! Jai exclaimed.

Youre too competitive, Kiry complained, then sighed inwardly as she followed the rest of her class outside, where Jai went over to his best friend Christopher Maine.

The group divided into two, with all the partners split up, one to run, one to time. Kiry settled onto the grass with her clipboard and waited for Jai to finish his four laps.

Eight minutes, 24 seconds! Mr. Stanford called as Jai passed him, just seconds after Christopher. Jai shook his head as he made his way over.

Youve improved, Kiry commented, handing the clipboard over.

Not good enough, he sighed. Have fun.

Kiry stuck her earbuds into her ears and took her place at the starting point. The mile runs were the only thing they were allowed personal music, so they were Kirys favorite. Music, running and – sort of – Jai all in one place.

Kiry lost herself in the rhythm of her footfalls beating in time to the fast beat of a Black Veil Brides song. Before too long, Kiry realized she was fast approaching the end of her fourth lap and she had left the pack long ago.

Kiry didnt hear her time due to the loud music so she jogged over to Jai.

Six. Minutes. He stated. How do you do it?

Suddenly shy from Jais direct stare, Kiry shrugged and looked down. Her shy streak sometimes overpowered her bold one.

Not one to give up your secrets, huh? Okay. Jai said, moving over to Chris and his soccer friends.

As soon as PE was over, Kiry moved on to her next class, wondering how she could get Jai to notice her. Observing the decorations hung around the school, she felt a slow smile spread across her face as an idea made itself known: secret admirer Valentines Day notes.