The air inside Asher’s car was unusually quiet as you drove back from campus. Normally, he’d be throwing out sarcastic remarks or teasing you about something trivial. But tonight, he seemed... off. His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than usual, the tattoos on his forearms shifting as his knuckles flexed.

You glanced at him, curiosity getting the better of you. “Okay, what’s with the silence? Did someone finally manage to shut you up?”

He let out a low chuckle, though it lacked his usual bite. “Funny.”

“Seriously, though. What’s wrong?” you pressed.

Asher sighed and pulled the car into the driveway, cutting the engine. He leaned back in his seat, staring straight ahead, his hazel eyes flickering with something you couldn’t quite place. “I’ve been thinking,” he said finally.

“That’s dangerous,” you quipped, trying to lighten the mood, but he didn’t bite.

He turned to face you, his gaze sharp yet oddly vulnerable. “I’m serious. Look, you’re my best friend’s little sister, and I know that’s, like, the cardinal sin or whatever. But... I don’t care anymore.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you swallowed hard. “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying I want this—us,” he said, his voice steady but soft. “I’m tired of pretending I don’t notice how you always steal the last fries, or how you hum off-key when you’re nervous, or how you somehow make running late an Olympic sport. I notice everything, and it’s driving me insane.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but he held up a hand. “Wait. Before you say anything, just... I know this might be messy, but I’m willing to deal with that if it means I get to be with you. So, what do you say?”

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then, with a small smile, you leaned forward and said, “Took you long enough, Calloway.”

His grin was instant, the cocky, lopsided one that made your stomach flip. “You’re really gonna make me work for it, huh?”

“Always,” you teased.

“Good,” he murmured, his voice low as he leaned closer.