Miles kissed me yesterday. Miles told me he wanted to go out with me yesterday, and then kissed me again. Miles kissed me, told me he wanted to go out with me, kissed me again, and now we’re walking down the hallway together. I don’t think this is real life. This must’ve been how Tracy from Hairspray felt when she finally got the guy. It’s unreal.

Sure, we aren’t holding hands or anything, but we’re close enough that our shoulders are touching. And maybe people can’t tell we kissed, but it doesn’t really matter. I can’t stop smiling. We’re not even talking—I’m not sure what I can say without smiling like a creep—but I don’t care. Being next to him is enough.

“I have to go to English,” I say, slowing down my steps. “And that’s upstairs.”

He scowls like a little kid. I’m sure I look like a freaky clown who can’t wipe off a smile.

“Don’t worry,” I say, patting his shoulder. God, who pats shoulders? Who do I think I am—Dr. Phil? “I’ll see you at rehearsal later, right?”

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to the musical of the day.” He bends down, pressing a kiss against my cheek. I have to go, but he takes his sweet time. Kissing him on the mouth is better, but I like the way my cheek tingles once he moves away. “I’ll see you later, Simone.”

I may or may not be staring at his ass while he walks down the hall. I watch until he fades into the crowd before finally turning toward the stairs. There are only a few minutes left until the bell.

Back at my old school, I couldn’t walk down the hall without noticing at least five familiar faces. Here, it’s pretty rare that I see someone I know. But today Eric is standing by the stairs, talking to someone. He glances up as I walk by, and I give him a big wave. The kid frowns so hard it looks like a sneer.

I blink, forcing myself up the stairs. Eric must really hate my notes.

“Oh my God, Simone, I have to know everything. Is he a good kisser? He just took you in the middle of the hallway and started making out with you? Just like that?”

Lydia is practically squealing as we walk down the hallway at the end of the day. Claudia rolls her eyes but doesn’t say anything. I duck my head to hide my smile. It happened yesterday, but I can still feel the imprint of his lips on mine.