Emma and Jake had been best friends since freshman year, but somewhere between AP classes and late-night study sessions, friendship had turned into something else. Neither dared to say it.

So, of course, fate (and their meddling teacher) paired them for the final psychology project: Analyze the Science of Love.

"Great," Emma muttered as they sat in the library. "This won’t be awkward at all."

Jake chuckled, running a hand through his already messy hair. "Yeah, totally normal."

Their assignment? Interview people about love and—worst of all—fill out a compatibility quiz together.

Question 1: What qualities do you look for in a partner?

Emma hesitated. Funny, kind, makes terrible jokes but is somehow still charming…

She cleared her throat. "You first."

Jake scribbled something, then slid the paper over. Someone like you.

Her heart nearly exploded. But before she could say anything, he grabbed it back. "Wait—wrong answer! Haha! Kidding!" He erased it in a panic and replaced it with loyal and smart.

Emma frowned. Coward.

Question 10: If you had to confess your love to someone, how would you do it?

They both paused.

Jake sighed, then blurted, "Probably in a really dumb way, like during a fake project about love."

Emma stared.

Silence.

Then she grabbed the paper and wrote, Me too.

When Jake saw her answer, he laughed, shaking his head. "This is the worst research ever."

"Yeah," Emma agreed. "But maybe the best project."

And just like that, the game was over.