The Silent Crush

“Shy girl, outgoing boy, unexpected friendship, unspoken feelings, unforgettable love.”

Zendaya adjusted her glasses nervously, clutching her notebook tightly as she watched Jessy from a distance. He was leaning against his locker, surrounded by his usual group of friends, laughing at something someone had said. His laughter was infectious, and even though Zendaya was too far away to hear the joke, she found herself smiling.

Jessy had a magnetic personality. He was always the center of attention, effortlessly charming everyone around him. Zendaya, on the other hand, preferred the comfort of her books and the quiet corners of the library. She had harbored a crush on Jessy for months but had never mustered the courage to speak to him.

One day, their teacher announced a group project in history class. “You’ll be paired randomly,” she said, drawing names from a box. Zendaya’s heart raced as the teacher read out, “Zendaya and Jessy.”

Her face turned crimson as Jessy looked over at her with a friendly grin. “Looks like we’re partners,” he said, walking over to her desk. “Hi, Zendaya.”

“H-Hi,” she stammered, barely able to meet his gaze.

Over the next few weeks, they spent a lot of time together working on their project. Jessy’s enthusiasm and humor gradually put Zendaya at ease. She found herself laughing at his jokes and even sharing a few of her own thoughts and ideas. Jessy, in turn, was impressed by Zendaya’s intelligence and dedication. He started noticing the little things about her — the way she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was nervous, the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about her favorite books.

One evening, while they were working at the library, Jessy leaned back in his chair and said, “You know, you’re really amazing, Zendaya. You have this way of seeing things that no one else does.”

Zendaya’s cheeks flushed. “Th-Thank you,” she mumbled, her heart pounding in her chest.

As their friendship grew, Zendaya found herself yearning to tell Jessy how she felt. But every time she tried, her courage failed her. She was convinced that someone as outgoing and popular as Jessy could never see her as more than a friend.

Meanwhile, Jessy was beginning to feel something he hadn’t expected. He found himself looking forward to their study sessions more than anything else. He started noticing how his heart skipped a beat when Zendaya smiled or how he felt protective of her when she seemed unsure of herself. But he was also convinced that Zendaya saw him as just a friend. She was always so reserved, never giving any indication that she might feel the same way.

One rainy afternoon, as they walked home together under Jessy’s umbrella, Zendaya slipped on the wet pavement. Jessy caught her just in time, his arms wrapping around her to steady her. For a moment, they were frozen, inches apart, their faces so close that Zendaya could feel his breath on her skin.

“Are you okay?” Jessy asked softly, his eyes searching hers.

“Y-Yes,” Zendaya whispered, her voice barely audible.

They stood like that for what felt like an eternity before Jessy reluctantly let her go. The moment lingered in both their minds long after they parted ways that day.

A few days later, the school organized a talent show. Jessy, who was known for his musical talent, decided to perform a song. As he stood on stage with his guitar, he scanned the audience until his eyes found Zendaya. Smiling, he dedicated the song to “a special friend who inspires me every day.” Zendaya’s heart swelled with emotion as she realized he was looking directly at her.

After the show, Jessy found Zendaya waiting for him backstage. “That was beautiful,” she said, her voice trembling.

“I’m glad you liked it,” Jessy replied, his eyes searching hers for something unspoken.

Another afternoon, as they worked together on their project at the library, Jessy playfully nudged Zendaya’s shoulder. “You know, spending time with you has been the best part of this whole assignment,” he said, grinning.

Zendaya’s heart fluttered, but she tried to play it cool. “You’re just saying that because I do all the work,” she teased.

Jessy leaned closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. “No, I mean it. You’re different, Zendaya. In the best way.”

The warmth in his gaze made her pulse race. She quickly looked down at her notes, her cheeks burning.

Finally, after weeks of inner turmoil, Zendaya decided it was time to tell him how she felt. But she couldn’t tell him in person so she slipped a folded piece of paper into Jessy’s locker. It read:

Jessy, I don’t know how to say this in person, so I’m writing it instead. I’ve liked you for a long time. You’re amazing in so many ways, and being your friend has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But I can’t keep pretending that’s all I want to be. I understand if you don’t feel the same, but I had to tell you.

— Zendaya

The next morning, Zendaya’s nerves were frayed. She avoided Jessy all day, too terrified to face his reaction. But as the final bell rang, she found him waiting outside school.

“Zendaya,” he called, holding up the note.

Her heart pounded as she approached him. “I… I’m sorry if I made things weird,” she began, her voice trembling.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. “Weird? Zendaya, this is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Before she could process his words, he pulled her into a tight hug.

“I thought you didn’t like me that way,” he murmured. “I’ve liked you since we started working together, but I didn’t want to mess up our friendship.”

Tears welled in Zendaya’s eyes as she hugged him back. “I was scared too.”

“Well, no more being scared,” he said, pulling back just enough to look at her. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”

And as everyone was rushing around them, they stood there, two hearts finally beating as one.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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