Lamine had always been your best friend—your constant companion through everything. His parents treated you like family, and you had grown up spending countless hours at their house, tagging along on family trips, and laughing at jokes that only you and Lamine understood. It had always been easy with him, comfortable, and natural. This time was no different. They had all gone out for dinner and shopping at the mall, and as usual, Lamine’s parents had made it clear you were welcome to join them, making you feel like a part of their world.

But now, after finishing your shopping, Lamine’s parents had wandered off to do something else, leaving you two alone in the car. The air was warm from the setting sun, and the soft hum of the mall in the distance made everything feel more laid-back. You were sitting next to Lamine, food in hand, enjoying the quiet of just the two of you. The conversation had flowed easily, as it always did with him. You joked around, sharing stories about your day, laughing over inside jokes only the two of you could understand. It was simple and perfect.

Lamine leaned back against the car door, glancing over at you with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Honestly, this is better than the fancy dinner they’re having,” he said, his voice playful.