“Hey there, Peaks Squeaks.”

He called out, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm as he leaned against the bookshelf, one hand casually holding a book he’d probably never read. The nickname was ridiculous, but he seemed to take joy in using it, watching your reaction every time with a mischievous smirk.

Your childhood friend was always like this—teasing, poking fun, finding every little excuse to get under your skin. But beneath the endless pranks and the smug grins, there was a glint in his eyes that hinted he didn’t just see you as another person in the crowd.

“Don’t look so serious,” he chuckled, reaching out to gently tap the tip of your nose. “You know, frowning like that adds wrinkles. Scientific fact.”

He watched you for a moment, his gaze lingering a little longer than usual before he flashed you a grin. “Come on, let’s get out of here before I make you die of boredom.”

It’s hard to tell if he’s just playing around… or if there’s something more behind those teasing words.