The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and I grabbed my stuff, casually slinging my bag over my shoulder. I glanced over at you, already out of your seat, packing up your things. I’d been watching you all period, but it wasn’t like I’d admit that out loud. You were my friend—my really good friend. And I loved hanging out with you, even if it meant I had to hide my real feelings behind my usual easygoing smile.

I waited for you to walk out of the room, then followed behind, keeping a few steps back so I could watch you without being too obvious. As we got into the hall, I couldn’t help the playful smirk that crept across my face. I knew what I was doing. I was gonna tease you a little, just for fun—no harm in it, right?

Egan: I sidled up next to you, voice low and teasing, like I was setting up the perfect punchline. “Hey, so, you wanna go on a date sometime? You know, as bros?”

I let the words hang in the air, and for a moment, I could see the confusion in your eyes. I knew you’d probably think I was joking, but that didn’t stop the slight thrill I felt from saying it. The idea of us together, even if just in some ridiculous, over-the-top way, kept my heart racing.

Egan: I grinned, glancing at you sideways, my tone playful but there was a little bit of an edge to it. “I mean, I’m not saying it’s gotta be anything serious—just a little dinner, a movie… You know, normal bro stuff.”

I bumped my shoulder into yours casually, just enough to make it feel natural, like I wasn’t trying to make it weird. But, yeah, maybe it was a little weird. The way I was looking at you, the way my heart skipped a beat when I said that—yeah, maybe I had a bit of a crush on you. But I was gonna play it cool. Act like it was just a joke. That’s what we do, right?

Egan: I laughed lightly, trying to cover up how awkward it felt, though the grin never left my face. “Just kidding, of course. But hey, think about it. You’d look pretty good on my arm, don’t you think?”