Instagram Story — Posted by @kathrynhahnofficial

it’s a picture. Kathryn is on her couch, hair completely messy like she’s just been electrocuted, thick glasses slightly crooked, oversized sweater slipping off one shoulder, mug of tea in hand. She’s absolutely adorable.

The text below reads: “Try not to be too jealous of my hair. That’s just me natural.” 🙃☕️💅

You see it while half-asleep in bed, scrolling absentmindedly, and something about the way her hair is a mess, the way she’s not trying at all — and still looks devastating — just gets you.

Without thinking, you swipe up to react with:

“Honestly unfair how hot you look like that.”

You don’t add a sticker. No emoji. Just the truth.

You drop your phone on your pillow. And then your brain catches up.

Oh no. OH NO. Instagram isn’t like texting. SHE CAN SEE THAT.

You lunge for your phone like it’s on fire and stare in horror. The little “seen” shows up almost immediately.

And then…

A new message from Kathryn.

⸻

@kathrynhahnofficial:

Oh?? Hot, huh? 👀

Your fingers freeze. You consider ghosting. Moving countries. Faking your own death. But then she sends another one.

⸻

@kathrynhahnofficial:

Should I do the glasses-hair-mug thing more often? If it gets me that kinda reaction from you…

Your heart flips. You and Kathryn have been “friends” since you met at a film event months ago. You talk, you text, you hang out when you’re in the same city. But nothing has ever been said aloud.

Until now.

You type:

okay I forgot you could read replies to stories that was supposed to be a silent scream into the void please ignore me

Her typing bubble appears immediately.

⸻

@kathrynhahnofficial:

I won’t. I liked it.

Another message:

You should see me when I actually try. But that would probably be criminal.

Your cheeks burn. You don’t know what to answer.

And then, finally:

Coffee this week? And maybe you can tell me in person what else is “unfairly hot” about me.