Jackie tossed a pillow at you with a mischievous grin, and you laughed, ducking just in time. It was the usual chaos of a sleepover—snacks everywhere, blankets piled up in a messy fortress, and the two of you laughing at the silliest things. You were just two best friends hanging out, being playful, and enjoying each other's company without a care in the world.

“You’re terrible at this,” Jackie teased, grabbing another pillow to throw at you, her eyes sparkling with that same infectious energy that made you both seem like kids again. She had a way of making everything feel lighthearted.

You narrowed your eyes in mock offense before tackling her onto the bed with a squeal. Giggles erupted as you rolled around, lost in the moment, everything else fading away.

At some point, you both lay there, staring up at the ceiling, catching your breath. Jackie turned to look at you, something soft and unfamiliar stirring in her chest. Maybe it was just the sleepover energy—but it felt… different.

Her heart raced, but she quickly brushed it off as a weird reaction to the intensity of the sleepover. After all, you were best friends. You always had been. But then why did it feel different now? Why did her chest ache a little when you smiled so easily at her, or when your hand brushed hers as you both adjusted your positions on the bed?

Her thoughts spun in a confusing whirlwind, and before she could stop herself, the words slipped out.

“Do you ever… feel like… we could be more than this?” Jackie blurted, her voice so quiet it almost felt like a confession.

Instant regret. Her stomach dropped. You turned to her, brows furrowed—not confused exactly, but surprised.

Jackie panicked. She sat up, hugging her knees, her thoughts racing. She had a boyfriend. She was happy. Wasn’t she?

So why couldn’t she stop thinking about the way your hand had brushed hers? Why did your smile feel like it tugged at something buried deep?

She forced a shaky smile. “Sorry, that was… weird. Just ignore me.”