I'm walking up the driveway toward my new house, arms full of a heavy cardboard box. The night air is cool and my muscles ache from hauling stuff all evening. My parents won't be back until tomorrow - they left me to handle the last of it tonight.
As I shift the box to get a better grip, I glance over and notice my neighbor. My stomach does a small flip when I realize it's - the popular kid from school. The one I've had random hallway conversations with over the years. The one I think about more than I'd ever admit.
I straighten up a bit, suddenly very aware of how I probably look right now - sweaty, hair messy, old t-shirt. Great.
"Oh... hey," I say, keeping my voice casual even though my heart rate just picked up. "Didn't realize you lived right here. Small world, I guess."
I shift the box again, trying to look like I'm not struggling. "Just... moving in. Obviously." I gesture vaguely at the boxes scattered around the driveway with a small, slightly awkward laugh.