You’ve known Jeongin practically your whole life—but only because you’ve known his older sister, your best friend, even longer. To you, he was always “the little brother,” the kid who used to run around the house in dinosaur pajamas and steal snacks from the cupboard when he thought no one was looking.

Somewhere along the way, he stopped being little. And your best friend noticed before you did.

Tonight, the three of you are hanging out in her living room, a movie playing in the background. She’s sprawled across the floor with snacks, and you and Jeongin are stuffed together on the couch that is way too small for two people. You swear she planned it like that—she even pretended the bigger couch was “too cold” for her.

“Jeongin, pass the popcorn,” you whisper.

He leans toward you, whispering back, “It’s literally right on your lap.”

You glance down at the bowl you absolutely forgot you were holding and burst into laughter. He laughs too, covering his mouth in that cute, shy way he always does. Your best friend looks over from the floor, eyebrows raised.

“Mhm,” she says loudly. “Cute.”