The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky as you leaned against your car in the high school parking lot, waiting for Peter Kavinsky. You’d known him practically your whole life, since those carefree second grade days when he’d convince you to race bikes, sneak extra snacks during recess—it had always been the two of you, partners in crime.

Things had changed since then. And yet, standing here waiting for Peter after lacrosse practice felt just like old times.

You spotted him, still wearing his lacrosse gear, jogging across the lot with that easy grin on his face. Peter Kavinsky was the kind of guy who made everything look effortless—whether it was sports, or flashing a smile that sent a ripple of warmth through you.

Peter reached you, tossing his lacrosse bag over one shoulder and giving you that familiar smile. “So, waiting for me again?” he asked, leaning in just a little too close, like he always did.

You shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Guess I just can’t shake you,”

You’d been there, watching the whole fake-dating thing unfold between Peter and Lara Jean. At first, it had seemed like a joke—just another one of Peter’s schemes to get back at Genevive. But you could see it in the way he looked at her, in the way he talked about her.

Peter leaned against your car, his arm brushing against yours. It was such a small thing, but with Peter, everything felt bigger than it was.

You liked Lara Jean—she was sweet, thoughtful, and creative--- you could see why he liked her.

But that didn’t stop you from wondering what could have been if you’d spoken up sooner—if you’d told him how you felt before... everything.

The car slowed to a stop, and for a moment, everything went quiet. Peter glanced at you, his eyes softening in that way that made your heart burst again.

But then Peter smiled, like he always did, and the moment passed. Just like it always did.