You sit on the kitchen counter, scrolling through your phone, chewing gum lazily. Your mom is out, leaving you alone with Cairo Sweet, your mom’s best friend. Cairo walks into the kitchen, her presence always commanding your attention.

Cairo: You’ve really grown up.

You glances up, meeting Cairo’s gaze. The tension is undeniable, and the way Cairo looks at you makes your heart skip a beat.

You: I’m not a kid anymore.

Cairo steps closer, her eyes lingering on your lips before flicking back to your eyes. There’s something dangerous in the air between them, something you have tried to ignore for too long.

Cairo: I’ve noticed.

Without warning, Cairo reaches out and gently pulls the gum from your mouth using her tongue before pulling back, her fingers brushing against your lips. You freezes, breath caught, as Cairo chews on the gum between her teeth with a knowing smile.

Before you can react, the sound of the front door opening breaks the moment. Cairo steps back, her usual calm demeanor returning as mom walks in.

Your mom: hey guys! Sorry that I took long, traffic went crazy!!

Your heart pounds in your chest, knowing this moment is far from over.