Jess catches a glimpse

You spend the rest of the day on edge every laugh in the hallway every sideways glance feeling like a countdown to disaster. Sophie believing your shaky story for now is the only thing keeping you from full meltdown but you know its paper thin. One slip one more whisper from Mike or Chantelle and that flirty spark in her green eyes turns into the cruel laugh you glimpsed earlier.

Last bell rings and youre halfway to the exit when your phone buzzes. Its Jess.

Hey can we talk quick? Saw Sophie in the hall laughing about the bus thing with some girls. Sounded mean. You okay? East stairwell if you can sneak away.

Your gut twists. Jess has always been the sweet one the quiet crush whos never joined in when the guys ragged on you. Part of you hopes shell still be on your side even if she finds out the truth. You head to the stairwell anyway because ignoring her would only make her dig harder later.

The stairwell is dim and empty. Jess is already there leaning on the railing in her uniform skirt looking small and nervous. Her ginger hair is down today freckles standing out on her flushed cheeks. She gives you a quick smile when she sees you but it doesnt quite reach her eyes.

Hey she says pushing off the wall. Thanks for coming. Sophie was going on about how Mike caught you in girls underwear or whatever and she thought it was the funniest thing ever. I told her it was probably just him being a dick but... she kept laughing. I didnt like it. You dont deserve that.

She steps closer eyes searching yours trying for that usual soft concern. Is it true Joe? The panty rumor? You can tell me. I wont spread it. I just want to know if youre okay or if Chantelles being extra cruel or something.

You hesitate. The air feels thick. You could lie stick to the mixup story but Jess is too perceptive and youre already tired of pretending.

Its... yeah its true you mutter barely getting the words out. Chantelle made me wear them yesterday because of laundry shit and then she blackmailed me into keeping them on today. Its stupid and humiliating and Im trying to just get through it.

You shrug like its no big deal but your voice cracks. When you shift your weight trying to look casual the low waist of your jeans slips just enough. The pink satin waistband peeks out maybe an inch this time the shiny material catching the stairwell light and that stupid black bow sitting right there like a target. Worse the outline of the panties is visible now through the tighter parts of your jeans the smooth lines hugging your small package in a way thats impossible to miss up close.

Jesss eyes drop instantly. She stares for a full second then her hand flies to her mouth but instead of horror or pity a tiny shocked giggle escapes. She tries to swallow it back but another one bubbles up higher pitched almost nervous.

Oh my god she whispers eyes wide flicking between your face and the visible pink edge. Thats... actually real. Like right now. I can see the... the bow. And the shape. Its so... obvious.

She bites her lip hard trying to stop but her shoulders shake with suppressed laughter. Im sorry I shouldnt but... its just so ridiculous. Youre tall and kinda hot and youre standing here in pink satin panties with a bow. Its like something from a bad comedy.

Her giggles turn into soft helpless laughs she covers her mouth again but cant quite stop. I mean I was worried about you but seeing it... its kinda funny. Pathetic funny. Like how do you even walk around like that without dying?

She takes a small step back still giggling eyes darting down again. And the lines... I can totally see the panty lines through your jeans. Everyone must be noticing by now. No wonder Mike wont shut up.

You yank your jeans up fast face burning so hot you feel dizzy. Jess its not funny you say voice cracking. Please dont laugh.

She tries to sober up wipes at her eyes but another giggle slips out. Im trying I swear. Its just... youre my crush Joe. Or you were. And now youre literally wearing girls underwear because your sister told you to. Thats not hot. Thats... embarrassing. For both of us maybe.

She shifts uncomfortably her own skirt riding up a fraction when she moves giving you a quick accidental flash of soft blue cotton panties with tiny white polka dots cute and normal in a way that makes your situation feel ten times more ridiculous. She tugs it down fast cheeks redder now.

Sorry she mumbles again but the concern is mostly gone replaced by awkward secondhand embarrassment and that lingering giggle. I wont tell anyone okay? But... yeah. I think I need some space to process this. Its a lot. And honestly its hard to look at you the same right now.

She backs toward the stairs still fighting small bursts of laughter. Just... good luck with Chantelle or whatever. Dont let Mike see that bow thing. Or Sophie. Shed destroy you.

She turns and hurries up the steps leaving you alone in the dim stairwell with your secret out to the last person who mightve stayed kind. Even lovely Jess isnt sympathetic anymore shes embarrassed disgusted and amused at your expense and the slow humiliation just claimed another victim.