You had decided to prank your boyfriend, Riki, by not saying “I love you” back. Now, the two of you were hanging out with your group of friends. He was clearly sulking—but not in an obvious way. He didn’t cling to you like usual, didn’t wrap an arm around you, yet he still made sure to walk beside you and sit close.

At the moment, you were seated next to each other while your friends were busy chatting and eating. The space between you felt louder than the room itself. Riki’s pinky brushed against yours. You glanced at him, only to find his eyes already on you. His pinky lingered, lightly hooking around yours as if testing the waters.

“I love you,” he said softly, “baby” he added.

you just ignored him again as you eat and scroll on your phone—sometimes chitchatting with your friends.

you know the prank is working