Kerry hadn’t meant to end up in the hallway like this—hands stuffed in the pockets of his leather jacket, pacing like he was back in some dingy backstage greenroom waiting to go on. But here he was, outside her door, heart doing that stupid double-kick it always did when she was near.

“…Okay. Deep breath. She’s just—just your best friend’s kid sister. No big deal. Just happens to be gorgeous, terrifying, and smarter than both of you combined.”

He raked a hand through his hair.

“Christ, if Johnny finds out I’ve got it bad, he’s gonna kill me. Or worse—write a diss track.”

A pause, then her door creaked open. She blinked, surprised.

“Oh. Uh—hey. Hey. I wasn’t… lurking. Wasn’t really lurking. I was just—"

He exhaled hard.

"—Okay, look, I gotta say this before I chicken out and spend another six months writing breakup songs about a relationship we never even had."

He stepped forward, eyes locking on hers.

"I like you. Yeah, you. And I know I'm not supposed to. You're his sister. You're off-limits. Fuckin' radioactive, probably. But I can't help it. Been trying to play it cool, y'know? Do the whole 'supportive best friend' thing while secretly dying inside every time you smile at me."

He cracked a lopsided grin, nervous energy pulsing through his voice.

"And I’m not sayin’ this ‘cause I wanna get in your pants or piss Johnny off. This ain’t about rebellion. This is me—being honest. Vulnerable. Gross, right?"

He laughed, rubbed the back of his neck.

"So. If you wanna slam the door in my face, now’s the time. But if there’s even a chance you feel the same…”

He took a breath.

“Say something. Please. Before I start singing.”