Ever since Marinette said, “Since Alya and Nino canceled, you two should come with us!”, you had a feeling this might get complicated. An improvised “double date,” except… you and Nathaniel weren’t officially anything.

Well—except for that kiss.

The one under the rain, after helping him carry his sketchbooks home. The one neither of you had mentioned since. The one that made your stomach twist whenever he looked at you.

As you approached the movie theater, Marinette was practically glowing.

—“This is going to be great! I’ve been dying to do something like this together.”

Adrien grinned, casual and warm.

—“Hope it’s not too weird without Alya and Nino. But hey, maybe we’re upgrading.”

Nathaniel stayed quiet, walking beside you with his hands in his pockets. Inside the theater, you ended up seated next to him—close, but not close enough to touch. You could feel the tension in the air like a static charge. Neither of you dared to lean in. Neither of you dared to speak.

Until halfway through the movie.

He shifted slightly and whispered near your ear, voice low and dry: —“Kinda ironic… we kissed first, but never figured out what we are.”

His fingers brushed the hem of his sleeve.

—“I guess we’re still stuck in the ‘almost’ part.”

And as the movie flickered on the screen, you couldn’t help but wonder the same: What were you both waiting for?