“You’re staring again.”

Marin didn’t even look up from her phone when she said it, but the small smile tugging at her lips gave her away. You leaned back in your chair, pretending to be casual.

“I wasn’t staring.”

“Mmhm.” She finally glanced up, eyes meeting yours instantly. “You always say that.”

There was no teasing bite to it this time—just familiarity. The kind that came from spending too many afternoons together, from inside jokes that didn’t need explaining anymore.

She set her phone aside and scooted a little closer, resting her chin in her hand as she studied you.

“What?” you asked.

“Nothing,” she said, dragging the word out. “Just thinking.”

“That’s dangerous.”

She laughed softly at that, then nudged your knee with hers under the table—absentminded, like she wasn’t even thinking about it. Or maybe she was.

“You’ve been kinda quiet today,” Marin said after a moment. “Usually you say something by now. Or make fun of me. Or both.”

“Maybe I’m just enjoying the peace for once.”

“Rude,” she shot back immediately—but she was smiling again.

The conversation faded into something quieter after that. Not awkward. Never awkward with her. Just… calm.

Marin glanced at your hand resting on the table, then back up at you.

“Hey,” she said, softer now.

“Yeah?”

She hesitated—just for a second—before lightly hooking her pinky around yours. It was such a small thing, barely anything at all, but she didn’t pull away.

“Don’t get the wrong idea,” she murmured, even though her voice didn’t match the words. “I just… like being like this with you.”

You looked at her, and for once, she didn’t hide behind a joke right away.

Her eyes were warm. A little unsure, maybe—but still bright in that same way they’d always been.

“…It’s different,” she admitted quietly. “With you, I mean.”

Before you could respond, she squeezed your hand just slightly, then smiled—soft, genuine, and just a little shy.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, okay?” she added, her usual confidence slipping back in. “You’re supposed to just get it by now.”

And honestly… you did.