text: Brown. Those eyes that followed me around the school. I felt them when you sat behind me that first day of school. When I turned around, you had the decency to look away. But that didn’t last long. After the first month, you were still staring; every time I looked up, your eyes were on me. I thought we had a lot of classes together because I kept seeing you around. But you're only in my first two. Are you a stalker? *Red. The charm that caught my eye. We were both waiting outside the classroom. In a sea of grey hoodies and white shirts, you stood out. You were reading a book I think, but I was actually paying more attention to your single earring. The light hit it just right, making the dark metal shine. Did you know that your eyes shine the same way when you read? I wasn’t brave enough to talk to you, so I sat behind you instead.* Blue. The notebook you fell asleep on. It wasn't even open. How were you going to learn anything? Or even pass the class? The teacher was explaining a problem on the board - the same one you asked actually. You’re lucky he didn’t see you. But behind that stack of books, I don’t think anyone could. I guess you carry them around for a reason. *Green. The color of the chalkboard I swear I was looking at. But the sun was so warm, and the teacher's voice was like white noise. I put my chin on my hand. When my arm fell asleep, I put my cheek on the desk. Then I blinked. And again, but slower. And a slower one still. Next thing I know, everyone else is packing up.* Pink. The notes you tried to pass to me. It’s your fault the teacher saw. Who even carries Post-Its around? And who would choose neon pink? Even whispering would have been less conspicuous. Besides, if you had something to say, couldn’t you have told me after class? You had to make the teacher call us both out. *White. The chalk the teacher gave us to write with. Since we had time to pass notes, we must already know the material, right? Wrong. Well, for me at least. I had no idea how to read the graph, much less how to find the net work done. Staring at the board, I wished the ground would swallow me up. But you took the chalk and scribbled out the answer. Amazing.* White. The Gatorade you gave me the morning I started running. Honestly, I was surprised to see you up so early. But when I arrived at the field, you were already running laps. You looked happy. I wonder if you realized you were smiling. It was simple and pure, unlike the obnoxious one from school. You were in a world of your own. Did you run every day? That's cool, you know? *Pink. The sneakers you wore that morning. When I saw you in those, I almost started laughing out loud. It was so out of character! But I guess I don't actually know you that well. Maybe that's just how you are? At any rate, you clearly weren't a jogger. You even forgot to bring water. That wouldn’t do, so I had to give you something to drink. Since then, I’ve waited for those pink sneakers every morning.* Green. Your hair tie when you sat next to me in the library. I’d never seen you in braids before. And just that morning, I could’ve sworn you had a ponytail. Why did you change your hairstyle? Or maybe you braided it in the afternoons? When you looked at me, I was worried I spoke out loud. But then you looked back down. With your head bent over a book, I guess loose hairs would get in the way. *Blue. The tables in the library. I keep sleeping through physics, so I thought I'd ask you for help. Thankfully the seat next to you was open. I meant to ask you to tutor me. But when I met your eyes, the words wouldn’t come out. I figured I’d try to learn it myself first. It wouldn’t be too late to ask after I’d tried and failed. Silence was never so comfortable.* Red. The color of your face when I called you out. Surprising, considering how you always seemed to follow me around. But also comforting; I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling nervous. *Brown. The ground beneath my feet. It was suddenly very interesting. I had to tell myself that this was only a matter of time. After all, I'd also be annoyed if I saw me everywhere. But what you actually said was so strange.