Emily was just trying to survive junior year.

Homework, volleyball practice, and a serious crush on a boy who didn’t even know her name — classic teen chaos.

But then one day, she found a note in her locker.

It said:
“Hey. I see you. I like your laugh.”
No name. Just a doodle of a coffee cup.

She showed it to her best friend Mia, who said, “Girl, someone’s got a crush on you!”

Emily blushed. “It’s probably a joke.”

“Seriously? Give the guy some credit.”

The notes kept coming — sweet, funny, anonymous.

By week three, Emily was hooked. “If this is fake, I’m gonna lose it.”

Mia grinned. “You’re already losing it.”

Then, one day, a final note:
“Meet me after school. Bench by the oak tree. If you want to.”

Emily skipped practice and waited.

Nervous. Hopeful. Terrified.

And then he showed up.

Jake. The quiet guy from chem class.

He smiled. “Hey. Thought I’d finally shoot my shot.”

Emily smiled back. “Took you long enough.”

Idioms Used in the Story

1. Got a crush on (someone)

Meaning: To have romantic feelings for someone, usually secretly or at the beginning.
Examples:

• She’s got a crush on her lab partner.
• I had a crush on him all of last year.

2. Give (someone) some credit

Meaning: To recognize someone’s effort or ability.
Examples:

• Give her some credit — she worked hard.
• You should give yourself more credit.

3. Lose it

Meaning: To become very emotional, angry, or overwhelmed.
Examples:

• I almost lost it when I saw the grade.
• He lost it during the argument.

4. Hooked

Meaning: To be strongly interested or addicted to something (emotionally or mentally).
Examples:

• After the first episode, I was hooked.
• She’s hooked on his letters.

5. Shoot your shot

Meaning: To take a chance, especially in romantic or risky situations.
Examples:

• He finally shot his shot and asked her out.
• Sometimes you just have to shoot your shot.