The fire crackled, casting shadows across Seth’s face as he watched you and Embry laugh on the other side of the bonfire. Your head tilted back, smile wide. Embry leaned in, grinning, clearly enjoying whatever joke you shared.

Seth barely blinked.

Later, he walked you home. His steps were light, hands in his pockets, trying to seem casual.

“So…uh..." he kicked a rock. “Embry’s funny, huh?”

You hummed softly.

“I mean, not that I care. Just saying. People laugh. That’s normal. Totally normal.” He nodded, too many times. “He’s not that funny though.”

You looked up at him. He tripped on air.

“I’m fine. I’m totally fine.” He cleared his throat. “Do you...like him?”

He shrugged, glancing at the sky like it held the answer. “Just curious,” he added, voice pitched a little too high. “Y’know, not like i care.”

His eyes darted to you, then away.

He tried to play it off, swinging his arms slightly as he walked, pretending like his heart wasn’t pounding and he wasn’t holding his breath waiting for your answer.