- 2.
Ashley has loudly proclaimed that she will be
better than me this time.
And her genius plan for achieving this? Copying
every freaking thing I did before.
First, she starts acting like a social justice
warrior, echoing my anti–Mr. Peterson speech,
instantly transforming into the class hero.
Next, she plagiarizes my campaign speech and
becomes class president.
And now? She’s even mimicking my style.
く
Of course, her real target is Jake Sullivan.
Ashley has had a major crush on Jake forever,
but he’s always been the aloof type.
She confessed, but Jake rejected her, saying he wasn’t interested in relationships.
She whined, “What kind of girls do you like?”
Jake laughed. “Uh, maybe someone with a blunt
haircut, short bangs, and thick glasses… You
know, someone smart, who’s really good in
school, and has a cool personality.”
In other words: me.
So, Ashley chopped off her long ponytail, styled
a mushroom cut with short bangs, and bought a
pair of non–prescription glasses.
く
Seriously? She actually thought Jake liked me
for my fashion sense…?
After school, when the classroom’s empty,
Ashley turns to me, practically vibrating with
glee.
“Jake looked at me seventeen times today.
Your boyfriend is falling for me.”
I noticed Jake was looking at her.
I used to think he liked me as a person, but it
turns out he has a type…
Still, something feels off.
Last time, his feelings for me didn’t develop this
quickly.
I remember when we first started high school.
Jake thought I was an attention–seeking rebel.
9:31
100
I was just being myself, shouting, “I’m going to get the best score in the class and show that grumpy Mr. Peterson what’s up.”
He thought I was immature and naive. I wasn’t even invited to his birthday party.
But I liked him, a lot.
I showed up at his house, bearing a small gift,
and ask him why I wasn’t invited to his birthday
party.
He was taken aback.
I went up to him, rose on my toes, and kissed
him on the lips.
“Jake, I like you. I’ve wanted to tell you this for
a while.”
“Tell me if you feel the same way.”
