The Scobells’ backyard hadn’t changed in years. Same string lights draped along the fence, same squeaky swing set in the corner, same smell of burgers and sunscreen clinging to the summer air. It was comforting, familiar. You’d grown up running barefoot across this grass with Leena and Tanner, staying late enough to fall asleep on the couch while your moms chatted over glasses of wine.

But this year was different. This year, Walker was back.

You hadn’t seen him in forever. Sure, you’d caught glimpses on your phone—movie posters, interviews, behind-the-scenes TikToks—but that wasn’t real. That was Walker the actor, Walker the star. The Walker you remembered was scrawny, thirteen, always sticky from popsicles, always quoting Deadpool until someone begged him to stop.

So you didn’t expect to feel your stomach flip when you spotted him across the yard.

He was taller now. Broader. His posture straighter, his jawline sharper. He leaned against the porch railing, laughing at something Tanner said, and the sound carried across the grass like it belonged in a movie scene.

When did you get hot? The lyric screamed in your brain before you could stop it.

“You’re staring.”

You jumped, almost spilling your soda. Leena stood beside you, arms crossed, smirk already tugging at her lips.

“I am not,” you muttered, looking anywhere but Walker.

“Oh, you are.” She leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “I was wondering how long it would take you.”

“How long what would take me?”

“To notice,” she said simply, eyes twinkling. “Walker. He’s not exactly thirteen anymore, you know.”

Your cheeks warmed instantly. “I know. I just… he looks… different.”

“Different?” She arched a brow. “You mean hot.”

You swatted her arm. “Leena!”

“What?” She grinned wickedly. “It’s true. You’re not the only one who’s noticed, trust me. Half the girls at his premieres lose their minds over him, and you’re standing here pretending you’re immune?”

“I’m not pretending anything,” you protested, but your gaze betrayed you, flicking back toward him before you could stop yourself.

Walker was still across the yard, now helping a younger cousin carry a plate of food to the table. His hand brushed the kid’s shoulder gently, his smile patient. It was such a small thing, but it made your chest tighten unexpectedly.

Leena noticed. Of course she did. “Uh-huh,” she said smugly. “Thought so.”

You groaned. “Don’t you dare—”

“Oh, I’m absolutely daring,” she cut in. “In fact, I think it’s my duty as your best friend and his sister to set you two up. It’s practically destiny.”

“Leena, no,” you hissed, but she was already plotting, you could see it in her face.

The rest of the barbecue passed in a blur of you pretending not to notice Walker and failing miserably. Every time he laughed, your head turned. Every time he walked past, you caught yourself holding your breath. And every single time, Leena’s smug little grin reminded you that you weren’t as subtle as you thought.

Finally, when the sun dipped low and the string lights buzzed to life, Leena cornered you by the snack table. “Okay, so here’s the deal,” she whispered. “You’re gonna go talk to him.”

“What? No—”

“Yes. He hasn’t stopped looking at you either, by the way, so don’t even try to argue.”

Your heart skipped. “He—he hasn’t?”

Leena smirked. “Please. I’ve been his sister for sixteen years. I know that face. Now, do me a favor and put him out of his misery before I do it for you.”

And with that, she shoved you—literally shoved you—toward where Walker stood by the fire pit.

You stumbled, caught yourself, and when you looked up, he was watching you. His smile was small, tentative, but real.

“Hey,” he said, his voice deeper now but still familiar. “It’s been a while.”

And just like that, the lyric looped in your head again, louder this time:

When did you get hot? All of a sudden I could look you up and down all day…