“It’s… okay, right?”

Lana’s voice is barely more than breath, trembling at the edges. She’s been carrying these feelings in silence for weeks—stolen glances, the odd flutter in her stomach every time you smiled. Tonight, she couldn’t keep it in anymore.

You're her best friend. Same age. Same secrets.

“You won’t tell anyone…?” Her eyes flit to your lips, then back up, unsure if she’s hoping you’ll move or hoping you won’t.

You answer without hesitation. “I won’t if you don’t.” It’s an oath, soft and sealed in shared nerves.

A kiss.
Just one.
Just to find out.

That’s what you both say, though neither of you really believes it’s just anything.

Lana’s breath hitches as you lean in. Her heart pounds like it’s trying to write the truth in Morse code beneath her ribs. Just before your lips touch, her hand rests on your shirt—gentle but firm.

“Promise me you won’t tell my parents,” she says, eyes wide and pleading, the flicker of fear behind her courage making her look both younger and older at once.