The universe, in all her chaotic glory, decided to give them what they clearly needed.
Detention.
Together.
Apparently, the cafeteria incident had gotten them both flagged for "disruptive behaviour."
Jake laughed for a solid ten minutes when he found out. "Y'all going to kill each other or finally make out again?"
"Shut up," Jessica muttered.
The classroom was empty except for them and the vice principal outside the door.
Thirty minutes of silence.
Until Molly muttered, "You looked good at the party."
Jessica didn't look at her. "Don't do that."
"I mean it."
"You're late, Molly. You always show up late."
"Better late than never."
Jessica scoffed. "Only works if I still want you when you arrive."
A pause.
Then: "Do you?"
Jessica turned to face her, finally. Her expression unreadable.
"I don't know. You keep pushing me away. Making me feel like I'm some secret you're ashamed of."
"I'm not ashamed," Molly said, voice low. "I'm terrified."
"Of what?"
"That if I love you… there's no undoing it."
Jessica blinked.
Molly's voice cracked. "And I think I already do."
Silence.
Jessica stood. Walked over. Sat on the desk in front of her.
"If you want me," she whispered, "show me. Don't just say it when no one's around."
Their knees touched.
Their eyes locked.
Jessica reached up and tucked a piece of hair behind Molly's ear, soft and slow.
"I'm not waiting forever."
Molly leaned in -
- and stopped just short of a kiss.
Her breath brushed Jessica's lips.
"I know," she whispered.
And they didn't kiss.
But they didn't pull away either.