The theater was almost empty, the dim lights casting long shadows across the seats as we found our place in the middle row. Chase was beside me, a comfortable distance between us, though I couldn’t help but notice how close we were. It wasn’t anything new—we had been friends for years—but tonight, everything felt different.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this movie?” he asked, his voice light, trying to sound casual, but I could tell he was nervous.

I glanced over at him. His eyes were focused on the screen, but I could see the small furrow in his brow, the way his fingers twitched on his drink. It made me smile, knowing that for all his bravado, Chase was still just a little bit unsure when it came to certain things.

“Yeah, it’s fine,” I said, my voice teasing. “You’ve been wanting to see this for weeks, right? So no backing out now.”

He chuckled, his usual grin making an appearance, but there was something softer in his smile. Something that felt new, yet familiar. “Guess you’re right.”

The movie started, but I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at him. It wasn’t the film that had my attention, but the way he was sitting so close, the way his shoulder brushed against mine. I couldn’t ignore the warmth spreading through me whenever I accidentally brushed his hand, the way his presence filled up the space between us.

Halfway through, Chase reached over and grabbed my hand. My heart skipped a beat, but I didn’t pull away. He didn’t say anything—didn’t need to—but I felt it. The shift. Everything had changed, and yet, nothing had changed at all. It was still him, the guy I’d known for so long, but now... now it felt like more. It felt like we were something more.

I glanced at him, his face still lit up by the glow of the screen, but he caught my eye. His gaze softened, and his thumb brushed against my hand, sending a small jolt through me.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice quieter, almost like he was unsure if I’d pull away.