"Why are you laughing with him?" I asked as we stopped in the shadowy corner of the bustling party.

"Wait... Are you jealous because you like him?" Her playful remark landed like a friendly poke, and a subtle glint of mischief sparkled in her eyes.

"No! I don't like him! The only one I like is you! Dummy!" The confession tumbled out, my cheeks flushing with a blend of awkwardness and a profound sense of release.