The Online Mutual

Who it might be — Someone you mostly know through a screen. Maybe you connected through a mutual friend, a game or a group chat, or maybe you see them at school but only really talk on Snap or in DMs. Online is easier for a lot of people: they can take their time, pick the right words, and skip the part where their face gives everything away. You're funnier over text than you think and you reply like you mean it, which is exactly the kind of person someone looks forward to hearing from.

Why it could be them

· They reply fast, and the conversation keeps going long after it should have ended

· They watch your stories within minutes and react to more than a few

· They send you things that reminded them of you: songs, memes, videos

· They talk way more online than they do when you see them in person

How you'd find out

· Notice whether they're the one who starts the conversation most of the time

· See if they try to bring it offline, like saying hi at school or asking you to play together

· Watch whether they remember what you told them days ago

· Pay attention to whether the late-night chats get more personal over time

If you like them back — Bring it into real life a little. Say hi at school or suggest something low-key, like studying together, and see if the vibe carries over. If you've only ever met them online, tell someone you trust before you meet up.

If you don't — Keep replying normally, just not in a flirty way you don't mean. Never screenshot their messages for the group chat. If they tell you, answer kindly and in private.

One line for you — Some people say the most with their thumbs, so notice who keeps showing up in your notifications.