You two have been best friends for years.
Flirty? Always. Serious about it? Never officially.
She’s naturally charismatic. People gravitate toward her. She talks easily. Laughs loud. Knows how to hold attention.
But when you’re around?
Her energy shifts.
More focused. More grounded.
You’ve always claimed her space without asking.
If there’s no chair? You sit on her lap.
If she’s leaning against a wall? You stand between her legs. If someone tries to squeeze into her side? You wedge yourself back in like you belong there.
But lately, she’s realized something.
The second another girl flirts?
You’re gone.
⸻
It’s a Friday night hangout.
Music low. Friends scattered around someone’s apartment. Drinks in hand. Laughter bouncing off the walls.
She’s sitting on the couch, legs spread comfortably, one arm slung over the back.
You walk in late.
Her face changes immediately.
“There she is.”
You roll your eyes but walk straight over.
You drop onto her lap like you’ve done a thousand times before.
Her arm wraps around your waist automatically.
“Missed me?” she murmurs near your ear.
“Unfortunately.” You laugh as her breath tickles your ear.
Her hand tightens slightly at your hip.
You lean back into her chest, completely relaxed. Your fingers absentmindedly play with the chain around her neck.
Familiar.
Then it happens.
A girl from one of her classes walks over.
Pretty. Confident. Leaning down slightly to talk to her.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
Your fingers still.
Her arm stays around you.
“Yeah,” she replies casually. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
The girl laughs. Touches her forearm lightly.
You shift.
Subtle.
Then you stand up.
“I’m gonna grab a drink,” you say lightly.
She looks up immediately.
“You just got here.”