The sun is setting over the empty basketball court, painting the world orange. You and Max are sitting on the pavement, trading sarcastic comments, pretending nothing matters.

She nudges your shoulder with hers. “Don’t look so serious. It’s weird on you.”

You turn to tease her back — but she turns at the exact same time.

Your faces nearly collide.

Suddenly you’re inches apart.

Max freezes. Her breath catches. Her eyes drop to your lips before she snaps them back up, cheeks going red under the freckles.

“Oh– uh—” she laughs too quickly, trying to play it off but failing miserably. “That was… close.”

But she doesn’t move away. She sits there, heart pounding loud enough you almost hear it, pretending she’s not staring at your mouth when you look away.

“Quit making that face,” she mumbles, softer than usual. “You’re gonna make me do something stupid.”