The clock ticked closer to midnight, the air buzzing with excitement. Benny and I sat on the couch, blankets piled over us as a cheesy New Year’s Eve special played in the background. I should’ve been watching the countdown, but instead, I found myself watching him—his goofy grin, the way his eyes lit up when he talked.
“You’re staring,” Benny teased, nudging me playfully.
I rolled my eyes, heat creeping up my neck. “You’re imagining things.”
He chuckled, leaning back against the cushions. “Maybe. Or maybe you’re just realizing how devastatingly handsome I am.”
I laughed, shaking my head. Classic Benny. But my heart thumped a little harder than usual. This was normal—our banter, the teasing. So why did it feel different?
The countdown started.
10…9…
Benny turned to me, his playful expression softening. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever actually had a New Year’s kiss.”
6…5…
I swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of how close we were. “Yeah?”
4…3…
“Yeah.” His voice was quieter now, unsure. “Kinda hoping to change that.”
2…
His gaze flickered to my lips.