Love on Silent Mode

I didn’t get a chance to talk to him after class—and it was already over.

Maybe I’ll try messaging him on Discord… I’ve seen him online 24/7 anyway.

...in chat...

Stephanie:

Hey

Johan:

STEPHANIE WHAT DO YOU MEAN

Stephanie:

Hahaha I knew you'd be surprised

Johan:

Seriously!?

Stephanie:

So… is it true? That you… like me?

Johan:

Yeah. I do. I like you.

Stephanie:

Wow… that settles it. So… are we a thing now?

Johan:

I think so, yeah. But…

Stephanie:

But?

Johan:

You called me out in front of everyone so fast—some of my friends definitely noticed.

Stephanie:

Oops… sorry I panicked and just went for it.

Johan:

Haha, it’s cool. By the way…

Stephanie:

Yeah?

Johan:

Can we keep this just between us for now? I don’t want everyone knowing.

Stephanie:

Totally. Same here, honestly. My parents would ground me if they found out.

Johan:

Same. Strict parents club

Stephanie:

Haha, looks like it.

Johan:

Anyway, gotta go—it’s my turn to walk the dog. See you tomorrow, Stephanie!

Stephanie:

Okay, bye!

Whew… that actually went well.

The next day, I arrived early. I couldn’t sleep the night before—Johan was all I could think about. I didn’t realize I liked him this much until now.

I was alone in the classroom for a while until the door creaked open.

It was him.

Johan.

I blinked twice just to make sure. We exchanged a quick glance, then looked away. Guess we were both shy now.

But I mustered the courage, stood up, and sat next to him.

“Hey… did you sleep well?” I asked.

“Y-yeah, I did,” he said quickly.

I doubted it. Johan never came to school early. Maybe we were both too excited to sleep.

It got quiet. Only the ceiling fan buzzed above us.

“I-it’s quiet, huh,” he said awkwardly.

“Yeah… I mean, we’re early, and it’s just the two of us here,” I replied.

“Just the two of us… and no one else around…” he added in a low voice.

Whoa. Was it just me, or did my overactive romance-novel brain take that in a weird way?

“I—” I started to speak, but right then, the door flew open.

“AYYYY I’M EARLYYY!” a voice yelled.

It was Johan’s friend—who lived an hour away from school, by the way. Seriously, what are the chances? He looked around, realized it was just the two of us, and suddenly froze.

“Oh… sorry for the interruption,” he muttered.

I awkwardly slipped back to my original seat, cheeks burning, while Johan’s friend teased him nonstop.

After class, we didn’t talk in person. We promised to keep things lowkey. So once I got home, I texted him again.

...in chat...

Stephanie:

Hey, how are you?

Johan:

Hey! I’m good—I’m at the mall with some classmates.

Stephanie:

Ohh, I didn’t know you were going with them.

Johan:

You were invited too, weren’t you? How come you didn’t join?

Stephanie:

Not really. I heard them talking about it, but no one invited me directly. I didn’t expect you to be part of the group.

Johan:

Ah, I see. Next time, I’ll make sure you’re invited. It'll be more fun if you’re there.

Stephanie:

Don’t worry about me! If you’re having fun, that’s what matters. I’m not really into going out much anyway.

Johan:

Still… it’s not as fun without you. I wish you were here.

Stephanie:

Mhm~ sure

Johan:

Haha okay, they’re calling me to order food. Talk later?

Stephanie:

Alright, eat well! Bye!

Johan:

Byeee, love you!

Wait. Did he just say “love you”?

My heart skipped. I couldn’t stop smiling. I was already looking forward to our next chat.

The next day, we exchanged glances across the classroom, but said nothing.

We’d been keeping everything private—just texting. No one suspected a thing.

A month passed like this. Quiet in person. Loud in my heart.

“Nothing’s changed…” I muttered one day, staring at my desk. “We barely talk at school, and now it feels like this won’t last…”

“Hey, are you okay?” my friend asked, noticing me sigh.

“Yeah… I’m fine,” I lied.

When I got home, I waited for his message. A notification popped up—I checked my phone, and it was from him and someone else.

...in chat...

Johan:

Hey, are you invited to our classmate’s birthday?

Stephanie:

Huh? No, I didn’t get invited.

Johan:

Oh, really?

Stephanie:

Wait—actually, someone did message me. Let me check again.

Johan:

Sure, take your time!

...in chat (Chii)...

Chii:

Hii Stephanie!

Stephanie:

Hey, Chii!

Chii:

Guess what? You’re invited to my birthday!

Stephanie:

Really?!

Chii:

Yup! I’ll send you the location link soon!

Stephanie:

Thank you so much! I’ll be there

...in chat...

Stephanie:

Hey! I got the invite!

Johan:

Nice! After we hang out, maybe we can shop for some stuff together?

Stephanie:

Sure, that sounds fun!

Johan:

Maybe we could even get something matching?

Stephanie:

You’re full of ideas today but yes—let’s do it!

Five more days. I couldn’t wait.

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