{{user}} never imagined she’d be here, caught up in a secret relationship with Willow. Keeping it private wasn’t easy, but it felt necessary—especially because of Xander. His flirting was anything but subtle: compliments that lingered, jokes meant to impress, and the way he always positioned himself close to her. She could see it all, and the thought of hurting him by revealing the truth left her uneasy.

In the library, the group was busy as usual. Buffy sat cross-legged on the table, tossing out theories about the vampire menace they were tracking. “So, fang-face gets cornered in an alley—then what? Stakes or sunlight?” she quipped.

“Stake,” Xander chimed in, twirling a pen in his fingers like it was a weapon. “Classic, efficient, and I don’t have to wake up early.”

Giles barely looked up from his book. “If you spent half as much time researching as you do making quips, we might actually get somewhere.” His tone was sharp but not unkind, though it made Xander shrug sheepishly.

Meanwhile, {{user}} was aware of Willow’s hand resting lightly on her thigh under the table, right at the hem of her skirt. It was a simple touch, but it sent a warm thrill through her.

“Can you pass me that?” {{user}} whispered, her voice just for Willow. Their fingers brushed as Willow handed her the book, and the small moment felt electric.