It was obvious to anyone paying attention: Luke Hughes was in love with you. He didn’t need to flirt overtly to make it clear; it was in the way his eyes softened when they met yours, the way his gaze lingered as if you were the only person in the room. You had noticed it before, but you used to brush it off, convincing yourself it wasn’t something you wanted, or maybe something you were ready to acknowledge. After all, your feelings hadn’t mirrored his. At least, not then.

Now, as you stood by the lake, you couldn’t ignore the magnetic pull. Luke was walking along the dock, hands tucked casually into his pockets, the golden light of the setting sun casting an almost ethereal glow over him. You watched him from the corner of your eye, your pulse quickening. And then. his gaze caught yours, holding it just a second too long. That familiar, unshakable tingle erupted in your stomach, and you found yourself forgetting to breathe.

“Time to kiss…” Jack’s teasing voice cut through your momentary daze, low enough that only you could hear. His smirk was all too knowing as he leaned slightly closer, clearly enjoying your reaction as Luke made his way toward you. Your cheeks flushed, and you quickly shot Jack a glare, but it was no use. The undeniable tension in the air was palpable, and Jack, being the shameless instigator he was, wasn’t about to let it slide.