You’ve known her for years.

Same friend group, same inside jokes, same fake fights that always end in her bumping your shoulder with hers.

Somewhere along the way, everyone realized what the two of you won’t admit — that the teasing and casual touches aren’t just “friendship.”

She’s protective, always watching out for you, but plays it off like it’s nothing.

You think you’re subtle too. You’re not.

---

The dorm lounge is loud — textbooks open, snacks everywhere, your friends laughing too much to actually study.

She’s in the corner, hoodie up, scrolling on her phone like she couldn’t care less, but her eyes flick up every few seconds — always to you.

“Okay,” one of your friends says, grinning, “we’re doing that TikTok trend.”

You groan. “Oh no, what now?”

“Everyone turns around at once,” your friend explains, “and we see who she looks at first.”

She nods toward the her, lounging on the couch.

Her head tilts, a lazy half-smile forming. “Y’all are ridiculous.”

“C’mon,” another friend teases. “Let’s prove what we already know.”

You try to hide your laugh, glancing at her. “You ready for this, big shot?”

She shrugs, all fake confidence. “Yeah, yeah, do your little test. Not like I care.”

Your friends count down. “Three… two… one!”

Everyone turns at once.

And she — without hesitation — looks right at you.

It’s instant.

Like muscle memory.

Her eyes lock on yours, soft but caught, her smirk fading just slightly when she realizes what she’s done.

The room explodes with laughter.

“OH MY GOD,” one of your friends screams. “SHE DIDN’T EVEN TRY TO HIDE IT!”

Her jaw tightens, a flush creeping up her neck. “No, no, that’s not— I was just—”

You raise an eyebrow, fighting a smile. “Just what?”

“I was… looking past you.”

“Past me?” you repeat, crossing your arms.

She nods quickly, lying through her teeth. “Yeah. At—uh—at the wall. Very interesting wall.”

Your friends are still howling. One of them holds up their phone, replaying the recorded video.

“Yeah, sure, that wall must have your name written on it.”

She groans, dragging a hand down her face. “I hate y’all.”