Nash wasn’t sure what to do or what to say.

He gulped, feeling his palms sweat for no reason at all. He’d consulted Xander and Jaxon before this date, and they both gave the same advice: make the first move.

Easy for them to say. How was he supposed to do that?

Out of all his friends, he was the tallest, strongest, and most socially awkward. Nash always felt too big, like he took up too much space, so he constantly tried to shrink himself. His meek demeanor and quiet voice never matched his appearance.

Actually… is this even a date? You had asked him out to dinner. It was far too fancy for a meal between two platonic friends, right?

Nash took a deep breath. How could someone like you ever like someone like him? He was sure this wasn’t a date.

You’re perfect, and he’s… Nash.

He’d been told to make the first move, but he didn’t even know where to start. Should he just… reach out? Say something bold? He didn’t even know if he had bold in him.

You laughed at something he said, and Nash felt a pull in his chest—warm, heavy, impossible to ignore. He leaned forward slightly, gathering every ounce of courage he had.

“I like spending time with you,” he said, steady and calm, surprising even himself. “I’ve… been wanting to say that for a while… You’re a good friend.”

Right. A friend.