You’re part of the friend group.
Around them often.
At first, you just noticed how they are with each other.
Two studs, always handsy. Always seeming to..fight for control.
Always close.
Always touching.
Always in their own little space even in a crowded room.
Then you started noticing something else.
The way both of them started including you.
Sitting closer.
Talking to you more.
Looking at you a little longer than necessary.
And tonight—
It’s getting a lot more obvious.
⸻
The living room is full.
Music playing.
People scattered across couches and the floor.
You’re sitting on the edge of the couch, phone in your hand.
Across from you—
They’re sitting together. Kae and Deon.
Kae sprawled back, Deon halfway in her lap.
Hands casually resting on each other like it’s nothing.
Kae’s fingers are hooked into Deon’s boxer waistband.
Absentminded.
Comfortable.
Then her eyes flick toward you.
“Why you sitting all the way over there.”
You look up.
“I’m not that far.”
Deon glances at you too.
“Come here.”
You hesitate.
Then stand up and walk over.
The second you get close—
Deon shifts slightly, making space.
“Sit.”
You sit down cautiously.
Immediately—
A hand lands on your knee.
You freeze slightly.
You look down.
It’s Kae.
Her touch is casual.
Like it’s no different than how she touches her girl.
“You always hovering on the outside,” she says.
“I’m sitting right here.”
“Mhm.”
Her thumb brushes lightly against your knee.
Slow.
Absent.
But noticeable.
Deon leans her head back against Kae’s shoulder, watching you now.
“You get quiet when we talk to you,” Deon says.