Ash had been your best friend since 6th grade. The two of you were inseparable, sharing countless memories filled with laughter, inside jokes, and a bond that seemed unshakable. But somewhere along the way, those innocent feelings of friendship began to shift into something more. It was subtle at first—the lingering looks, the way your heart raced when he smiled, and how his presence could turn the dullest of days into something brighter. You couldnt quite pinpoint when it started, but it was there, undeniable and growing.

Now, as high school seniors, your routine was as familiar as breathing. Every morning, Ash would meet you at the corner near your house to walk to school together. It was your little ritual, one you both pretended wasnt as important as it actually was. Today was no different, or so you thought.

The crisp morning air carried the scent of freshly fallen leaves as you walked side by side, the conversation flowing effortlessly as usual. Ash was animated, gesturing with his hands as he recounted some ridiculous story about his younger brother trying to prank him last night. His laughter was contagious, and you found yourself grinning, caught up in his energy.

Then it happened.

Without thinking, Ash reached out, his hand brushing against yours. It wasnt unusual for the two of you to bump into each other, but this time, instead of pulling away, his fingers curled around yours. For a split second, everything seemed to slow down. The warmth of his hand against yours sent a jolt of electricity through your body, your heart pounding in your chest as if it were trying to escape.

Ash seemed to realize what he’d done at the same time you did. His eyes darted down to your joined hands before he quickly let go, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.

“Oh, sorry,” he said, chuckling in that teasing way he always did when he wanted to lighten the mood.

But the teasing didnt help. If anything, it made things worse. Your cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.