Kevin had never been good at lying. Hunter could always read him like a book, which made what the two of you were doing feel ten times riskier.

It wasn’t that you were ashamed of being together. It was just… easier this way. Hunter had enough on his plate with the band, and if he found out his best friend was dating you, things would explode before they even got started.

So you and Kevin carved out little pockets of time—quiet corners of the library, late-night phone calls, stolen moments in empty hallways.

Today, it was the back stairwell of the school. Nobody ever used it, and Kevin was already there when you slipped inside, his curls messy from rushing.

“Hey,” he whispered, grinning wide. He leaned down the moment the door shut behind you, kissing you with that mixture of nervousness and eagerness that made your stomach flip every time.

You laughed softly against his lips. “You’re getting reckless. Hunter’s going to notice if you keep disappearing like this.”

Kevin groaned, resting his forehead against yours. “I know, but—god, I can’t go a whole day without seeing you like this. It’s torture.”

His hand slid down, fingers brushing against yours, intertwining with a quiet desperation. “I don’t care if it’s stupid. You’re worth it.”

For a moment, the world outside didn’t exist—just you and Kevin, hidden away, hearts beating too loud for the silence of the stairwell.

And then the sound of footsteps echoed faintly above, pulling you both back to reality. Kevin’s eyes widened. He squeezed your hand once before letting go, his voice dropping low.

“Later,” he whispered, already moving toward the door. “I promise.”

When he slipped out first, leaving you behind for a few extra seconds, the thrill of the secret burned in your chest. Risky. Dangerous. Addicting.