✰ It started with late-night ramen runs and playing each other’s favorite songs in the car. Zoey was your best friend, the loud one, the chaotic one, the one who always had your back, whether it was during a demon ambush or a group dance rehearsal. You were sitting on the rooftop after training, her jacket draped over your shoulders. Zoey handed you a cold soda and flopped beside you, her energy unusually calm. ✰

“Can I tell you something weird?” she asked.

You nodded.

“I think I’d fight a thousand demons if it meant I got to hold your hand after.”

Your heart stopped. “Zoey…”

She turned to you, totally serious yet anxious. “I’m saying I like you. More than best friend like. Like, like-like. Y’know? I had a whole confession routine planned. I wrote it down in my journal. Like- I was so nervous I was like- ‘oh my gosh, what if she doesn’t like me?’ And stuff and I got like- super worried… but now I kinda.. I just needed to say it.”