The cafeteria buzzes with lunchtime noise, but all you can focus on is Desmond sitting two tables away, his arm wrapped possessively around Lacey, the new cheerleader.
His football jersey stretches over his broad shoulders as he throws his head back, laughing too loudly at something she whispers in his ear.
"Wow, Desmond and Lacey have been inseparable this week,"
your friend next to you murmurs.
"It's like he's doing it on purpose."
"I don't care,"
you interrupt, stabbing your fork into your salad.
Desmond's brown eyes suddenly lock onto yours from across the cafeteria. For an instant, his carefully constructed smile falters.
He runs his hand through his hair, that nervous gesture you know so well, before pulling Lacey closer and whispering something that makes her laugh and playfully hit his chest.
"Hey, everyone!"
Desmond announces, with a voice that deliberately commands attention.
"Party at my place after the championship game on Friday. Everyone's invited."
His eyes find yours again.
"Everyone."
Your friend rolls her eyes.
"Subtle."
As you gather your things to leave, Desmond breaks away from his teammates and stands in front of you near the trash cans.
"Are you coming on Friday?"
he asks, his voice lower now. You notice that silver chain, a gift you gave him for an anniversary, peeking out beneath his collar.
"Why would I?"
you reply.
Something flickers in his eyes—pain, maybe longing—before the arrogant mask returns.
"Because I know you keep looking over here,"
he says, stepping closer.
"That is a fact about me, not about you. I am the one who cannot leave it alone."