You were sitting cross-legged on the floor in the living room of Stu’s house, surrounded by your friends in a loose, casual circle. The conversation flowed freely, shifting from one random topic to the next, with everyone chiming in. You found yourself between Billy and Randy, who were both in high spirits, cracking jokes and laughing at their own humor. It was hard not to get caught up in their energy, but what caught your attention was how Billy would occasionally glance over at you, his gaze lingering for a split second before he turned his focus back to the conversation.

Sidney, always the one to speak her mind, stretched out and let out a sigh. “I can’t wait to graduate, honestly,” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and impatience. “I just want to get away from this town, full of assholes.”

Tatum, who was sitting opposite Sidney, immediately protested. “Hey!” she exclaimed, narrowing her eyes at Sidney.

Sidney, with a grin on her face, quickly raised her hands in mock surrender. “Not you guys,” she clarified, and her words sent everyone into fits of laughter.

The sound of their laughter filled the room, but amid the chaos, you couldn’t help but notice Billy. His eyes kept flicking toward you in between the jokes and the chatter, as though he couldn’t quite keep his attention off you. It was subtle, but there was something in the way he looked at you that made your stomach flutter.