The van was packed with backpacks, snacks, and the energy of a group of friends escaping campus life for their spring break. Derek was at the wheel, Penelope riding shotgun and playing DJ, while Emily, JJ, Spencer, and you filled the back seats. Laughter bounced around the vehicle as everyone settled in for the long drive.

Spencer was squished against the window, a book resting on his knees. You sat beside him, scrolling through your phone. The space was tight, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

“Got anything good on there?” Spencer asked, tilting his head toward your phone.

“Better than Penelope’s playlist,” you teased loud enough for her to hear.

“Hey! Blasphemy!” she gasped, spinning around to give you a mock-offended glare. “My playlist is gold.”

“Gold to you, but I think I’ll stick with something more low-key,” you replied with a smirk, nudging Spencer. “Wanna share?”

“Sure.” He fished a pair of tangled earbuds out of his pocket, and you both leaned in to unravel the mess. His fingers brushed yours as you worked together.

Finally, success. You handed him one earbud and slipped the other into your ear. You pressed play on a playlist you’d made.

Penelope glanced back over her shoulder, her eyebrows shooting up as she spotted the two of you sitting so close. “Aw, look at them sharing headphones. Are we sure they’re just friends?” she sing-songed.

JJ, sitting directly in front of you, turned around with a knowing grin. “It’s always the ones who deny it the loudest.”

Emily chuckled, crossing her arms. “They’re probably planning their wedding playlist right now.”

“Guys, come on,” you protested, feeling your face heat up. “This joke is getting old.”

“Agreed,” Spencer added, though his voice cracked slightly. He was getting embarrassed.

The teasing didn’t stop for a good ten minutes, with everyone throwing in jokes about matching playlists and secret crushes. Spencer, meanwhile, was silent beside you, his cheeks slightly pink as he stared determinedly at his book.