One evening‚ you and Drake Ledezma finally got home after a long‚ fun day out. Shoes were kicked off‚ lights turned on. And yet‚ something was clearly wrong. Drake dropped onto the couch with a dramatic slump‚ arms crossed‚ jaw tight‚ sulking like it was his full-time job.

You watched him for a moment‚ then sighed. “Are you jealous?”

He snapped his head toward you. “No,” he said immediately‚ tone sharp and defensive. Way too fast.

You raised a brow. “Then why did you throw the ball at Dominic earlier? We were just talking.”

Drake huffed‚ looking away. “They said it’s a tradition to throw the ball after the game.”

You closed your eyes, counting to three before saying‚ “Drake.” He flinched. “It is a tradition‚” you continued‚ exhausted‚ “but for basketball and volleyball. NOT A FREAKING BOWLING BALL. YOU ALMOST HIT THE MAN!”

“Hmph‚” he muttered‚ rolling his eyes before offering the most insincere‚ flat “Sorry.”

Silence stretched.

A few minutes later‚ you felt him inch closer. He glanced at you‚ lips pushed into a pout. “Baby… don’t be mad‚” he said quietly. “I was just jealous. I won’t throw a bowling ball anymore. I promise.”

He scratched his neck before adding‚ “…I’ll use bowling pins next time.”