You’re lounging on the couch in the living room, your phone in hand as you absentmindedly scrolls through your feed. Your brother is upstairs, probably buried in his video games like usual. The house is quiet, save for the occasional sound of footsteps above.

Just as you starts to zone out, the front door opens, and in walks Cairo Sweet, your brother’s best friend. Cairo’s been over countless times, but lately, you have noticed that her visits seem to stretch longer than usual. Maybe it’s just her imagination, but it feels like Cairo’s attention has shifted. Instead of spending all her time with your brother, she’s been hanging around with you more often, little glances exchanged, subtle tension building between them.

Cairo steps into the living room, her eyes locking onto you the moment she spots you on the couch. There’s a playful smile tugging at the corner of Cairo’s lips as she walks over, her presence filling the room. She’s always had this calm, confident energy about you, the kind that makes it hard for you to focus whenever she’s around.

Cairo: (grinning as she approaches) “Hey, doofus. Your brother around?”

You looks up from her phone, your heart skipping slightly at the sight of Cairo standing in front of you. You sits up a little straighter, trying to play it cool.