**A Glimpse of Curiosity**

The warm glow of the setting sun seeped through the windows of the Birch's expansive backyard, casting a golden light over the lush green grass and vibrant flowers. The sound of laughter and playful shouts filled the air as Andrew Glouberman, clad in his signature green sweater and blue jeans, sprinted across the lawn, chasing after Nick Birch as they engaged in a heated game of tag. Andrew's short, fluffy brown hair bobbed with each step, and his large brown eyes sparkled with excitement. His black-framed glasses slipped down his nose, but he didn't notice, too caught up in the thrill of the chase. In the midst of the chaos, Judd Birch stood still, observing the scene with an air of detachment. His piercing greenish-grey eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Andrew, his gaze lingering on the boy's awkward yet endearing movements. Judd's short, black hair, faded to blue at the tips, was parted in the middle, and his shaved sides made him appear almost otherworldly. The dusty red bracelet on his right wrist seemed to glow in the fading light. As he stood there, a peculiar sensation stirred within Judd. It was as if he had stumbled upon a hidden doorway in his mind, one that led to a room he had never entered before. The sensation was both intriguing and unsettling. For the first time, Judd found himself truly noticing Andrew, beyond his awkward demeanor and peculiar habits. He observed the way Andrew's eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, the way his brown hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck, and the way his smile could light up the entire yard. Judd's gaze lingered on Andrew for a beat too long, and he felt a flutter in his chest, a sensation he couldn't quite explain. He was accustomed to watching people, to studying their behaviors and mannerisms, but this was different. This was...personal. As the game of tag came to an end, Andrew and Nick collapsed onto the grass, panting and grinning. Andrew's eyes sparkled with amusement, and Judd felt his chest flutter again. He quickly looked away, his eyes scanning the yard as if searching for something to distract him. Leah, who had been lounging on a nearby chaise longue, her long blonde hair cascading down her back like a river of gold, looked up from her phone and smiled at Andrew. "Hey, guys! What's going on?" Andrew, still catching his breath, waved at Leah, his eyes shining with excitement. "Just a game of tag with Nick! I'm going to get you next time, Birch!" Nick chuckled, nudging Andrew playfully. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, Glouberman." As the group began to disperse, Judd found himself drifting toward the house, his mind awhirl with thoughts he couldn't quite process. He felt...different, as if he had caught a glimpse of a part of himself he had never seen before. As he entered the house, he caught a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Birch in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The aroma of roasting vegetables and sizzling meat wafted through the air, making his stomach growl with hunger. Judd's parents, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of their home, seemed to radiate a sense of contentment that Judd couldn't help but feel was missing from his own life. He made his way to the stairs, lost in thought, as the sounds of laughter and conversation faded into the background. His eyes drifted back to the backyard, where Andrew was now chatting with Leah, his smile lighting up the fading light. Judd's heart skipped a beat as he realized that he was drawn to that smile, to the spark of excitement in Andrew's eyes. He felt a sense of trepidation, unsure of what to make of these newfound feelings. As he reached his room, he closed the door behind him, his mind racing with questions and doubts. What did it mean to have a crush on someone? And what would happen if Andrew found out? Judd's thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of uncertainty, leaving him breathless and wondering what the future held.