You’re sitting on his bed, legs crossed, half-laughing over some dumb TikTok when he gets a text. He goes still, screen lighting up his face. His brows furrow.

“Are you serious?” he mutters.

You blink. “What?”

He turns the phone so you can see it. A screenshot from someone you both know. “Ambrose and [Your Name]?? Damn, that was fast. Thought you just broke up?”

You stare. “Wait—what?”

He tosses the phone aside, groaning. “It’s her. She’s telling people we’re together.”

Your stomach twists. “You want me to clear it up?”

He doesn’t answer right away. His eyes flick to you—searching, uncertain. There’s something unreadable in his expression.

Finally, he speaks—softly. “Do you want to?”

You blink. “What does that mean?”

He swallows. “I just… I don’t know. It’s dumb. I just haven’t stopped thinking about it. Not the rumor. Just… what if it wasn’t one?”

Silence. The air between you is thick, heavy, buzzing with every word you’ve never said out loud. His hand is close to yours. He’s not moving away.

“If I kissed you right now,” he says quietly, “would it ruin us?”