Dev smiled as he watched you laugh at some random TikTok playing on his phone. But he wasn’t really watching the video—he was watching you. Every time you smiled or giggled, his heart did this dumb little somersault, beating faster like it had a crush or something. (Spoiler: it did.)

Dev had been your friend since elementary school—your close friend. And your secret boyfriend. Neither of your parents knew. He didn’t even dare imagine telling his dad, and you hadn’t told yours either. It wasn’t about shame. It was about avoiding drama. For now, this quiet, secret bubble you shared was enough.

You sat next to each other in class, shoulders brushing as you leaned in to watch the screen. It was lunch break. His fingers were laced with yours under the desk, warm and grounding. His other hand casually held a half-eaten sandwich, taking a bite here and there, but his real focus was still you. Always you.