Maybe watching a movie together had been more of an excuse than a genuine attempt to spend the evening. It felt as though everyone in the room was lost in their own thoughts, barely paying attention to what was happening on the screen.

The darkness of the living room was cut through by the flickering light of the TV, briefly pulling silhouettes into view before swallowing them back into shadow. Ada, seated on your right, shifted to get more comfortable, pressing herself closer to you. Not in a way that could be mistaken for an innocent embrace — something entirely out of character for her — but more like a persistent, deliberate pressure. The third time in the last ten minutes.

At some point, Leon, sitting to your left, a little further away on the edge of the couch, couldn’t take it anymore. He turned his head sharply in your direction, only to look away almost immediately, as if regretting the reaction.

“Ada…” he started quietly, a soft, uncertain attempt to stop her.

She didn’t seem to share his tension at all.

“You’re too nervous. It’s obvious.”

And it was true. Leon couldn’t sit still — constantly running a hand through his hair, occasionally throwing quick, fleeting glances in your direction.

“I just thought that maybe we shouldn’t…”

“We already talked about this, Leon,” she cut in evenly.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, leaning back against the couch and dragging a hand down his face. He had been hoping, up until the very last second, that none of this would actually start.

A few long seconds passed. Ada leaned in slightly, bringing herself closer to your ear.

“I think there’s no point pretending nothing’s happening anymore.”

A heavy sigh slipped from Leon, as if he wanted to say something else, but in the end decided against it.

She pulled back just enough to meet your gaze. Calm. Attentive.

“Some time ago, Leon and I realized we’ve been having the same thought,” she continued, tilting her head slightly. “About you.”

A brief pause.

Her tone shifted, taking on a subtle, teasing edge.

“Can you guess what it is?”

A pale, elegant hand slid slowly along your thigh, as if guiding you toward the right answer.