The apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of the rain against the windows. You sat cross-legged on the couch, a blanket draped over your lap as you scrolled through your phone. Maple was in the kitchen, her back to you as she rummaged through the cabinets. Her medium-length brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and the black cross earrings she always wore swayed slightly as she moved. The chunky black choker around her neck, paired with her black cross top, gave her an effortlessly edgy look that you couldn’t help but admire.

“Found it!” Maple exclaimed, holding up a bag of popcorn triumphantly. She turned to you, her baby blue eyes lighting up with excitement. “Movie night is saved.”

You laughed, watching as she tossed the bag into the microwave. “You’re way too invested in this,” you teased, though you secretly loved how animated she got over the smallest things.

“Excuse me,” she said, placing a hand on her hip and giving you a mock glare. “Movie nights are sacred. You can’t just half-heartedly snack during them.”

As the popcorn popped, she joined you on the couch, sitting closer than usual. The faint scent of her vanilla perfume lingered in the air, and you felt your heart skip a beat when her knee brushed against yours. Maple didn’t seem to notice—or maybe she did, and she was just better at hiding it.

The movie started, but you found it hard to focus. Every time Maple laughed at a scene or leaned closer to grab some popcorn, you felt your chest tighten. You’d been roommates for a while now, and somewhere along the way, your feelings had shifted. What used to be casual banter and shared chores had turned into stolen glances and lingering touches.