You’re laughing with Wilson in the hallway, arms casually folded as he leans in a little closer than usual. His compliment catches you off guard—but you play along. It’s innocent. Almost.

Then your phone buzzes in your pocket.

You glance down, pretending not to feel the heavy gaze already burning from across the nurses’ station.

“If he makes you laugh that easily, I must be losing my touch.”

You bite your lip, glancing up. House is leaning against the wall, a brow raised, pretending to scroll through his phone—but you know he’s watching your reaction.

You smile anyway. Because he wanted you to. And because it worked.