You and Scott had been wandering around the theme park all afternoon—sharing snacks, teasing each other in line, brushing shoulders more than once. He didn’t know he was your crush, and you were doing everything in your power to keep it that way. Still, being this close to him felt like the best kind of torture.

Then came the roller coaster.

You didn’t want to admit how much you hated heights, especially not in front of him, so you smiled and followed him into the seat like it was no big deal. But as the harness clicked into place and the ride began its slow, steady climb, your fingers gripped the edge of the seat a little too tightly. Your breath caught. You didn’t even realize he was watching you.

Without a word, Scott reached over and gently laid his hand over yours—warm, steady, grounding. You turned your head just slightly, and he met your eyes with a quiet, almost knowing smile.

“You’re alright,” he said softly. “I’ve got you.”

His voice was low, calm, like he meant every word. And in that moment, with your heart thundering from more than just fear, you weren’t sure what was scarier—the drop ahead, or how badly you wanted him to hold your hand even after the ride ended.