We stood at the entrance of the haunted house, the air thick with tension and the distant sound of screams echoing through the old, dilapidated building. Benny stood next to me, a teasing grin on his face.

"You sure you want to do this?" he asked, his voice light but his eyes dancing with mischief. "You look like you’re about to pass out before we even step inside."

I crossed my arms, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "I’m fine. I can handle it. Just… stay close."

Benny snorted, clearly amused. "You? Scared? I’m not worried about you." But his hand found mine, and he didn’t let go as we walked through the creaky doors.

Inside, the lights flickered, and a cold breeze made me shiver. It felt like every corner held something waiting to jump out at us. Benny’s hand was warm, steady in mine, and I couldn’t help but notice the way his thumb absently traced circles on my skin. It was subtle, almost like he didn’t realize he was doing it—but it made my heartbeat faster.

We rounded a corner, and a loud screeching noise sent me stumbling backward, straight into him. He laughed softly, steadying me with ease, but there was something different in his touch—something softer, more intimate.