They’d been at it for hours—just like the old days. Improvising nonsense in Lin’s living room, their makeshift “stage” lit only by the cheap standing lamp they used to joke was their spotlight. {{user}} was curled on the edge of the couch, legs criss-crossed, grinning like she was sixteen again, and Lin paced the floor in front of her, arms flailing like always when he got way too into character.

“So,” he said, slipping into the voice of some awkward teen boy with a crush, “there’s this girl.”

{{user}} sat up straighter, playing her role to perfection. “Ohhhh? A girl? Tell me more, tell me more,” she said, dramatically swooning against the couch cushion.

Lin threw a hand over his heart. “She’s amazing. Funny. Smart. Drives me absolutely insane. But like… in a good way.”

She laughed, tipping her head. “Okay, Romeo. What’s her name?”

He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck, giving the exact performance of someone dodging a question. “Can’t tell you. Secret. But… I can give you hints.”

“Oooh, I live for clues.” She leaned forward like she was a middle school gossip hungry for tea. “Go on.”

“She’s in theatre,” he started, beginning to pace. “Knows me better than anyone. We’ve been friends since high school. She’s brilliant. Like… annoyingly brilliant. And funny. And sometimes makes me want to scream, but I miss her the second she’s gone.”

{{user}} blinked, caught a little off guard by the sudden sincerity in his tone. “…That’s… weirdly specific.”

He smirked, keeping up the act but stepping closer. “You know her very well.”

“Uh-huh.” She squinted at him, skeptical. “Okay then. What color are her eyes?”

Lin stopped walking. Looked right at her.

Then leaned in, way too close. Closer than acting should’ve allowed.

“Uhhh…” He stalled, eyes locking with hers. His voice softened. “Whatever this is.”