Ryan leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching you struggle to reach the top shelf. A smirk tugged at his lips, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Need help, shorty?" he teased, effortlessly grabbing the item and holding it just out of your reach.

That was always how it went with Ryan. Teasing, laughing, nudging your shoulder with his whenever you walked side by side. He was your best friend—the one who always showed up when you needed him, whether it was bringing you snacks at midnight or walking you home when it got too dark.

But lately… something felt different. The way he looked at you lingered a little too long. The way his voice softened when he said your name. The way his fingers would brush yours and neither of you would pull away as quickly as before.

Ryan had fallen first. Hard. And now he was stuck in this mess of feelings, wondering if you’d ever see him as anything more than the guy who had always been by your side.

Tonight, the two of you sat together on his apartment balcony, the city lights flickering in the distance. He exhaled, gripping his drink tightly before turning to you.

"Do you ever think about us?" he asked, his voice unusually serious. "Like... what if we were more than just friends?"