You and her dated.
Everyone in the friend group knows it.
Everyone also knows the breakup wasn’t dramatic.
No screaming fights. No big fallout.
You just… stopped.
But neither of you actually pulled away from the group.
So now you’re still around each other constantly.
Game nights.
Group dinners.
Late night hangouts.
And every single time, the tension fills the room.
Because she still stands too close. Still touches you casually.
Still looks at you like nothing between you two ever ended.
And the rest of the group notices.
They keep waiting for the moment you two finally admit you’re not done with each other.
⸻
The living room is crowded. Music playing softly.
Someone arguing about what movie to put on.
You’re standing near the kitchen counter talking to one of your friends when she walks in.
You notice immediately.
Of course you do.
She’s in a dark tee and gray sweats, hands tucked into the pockets.
Her eyes scan the room. Then land on you.
And stay there.
You look away first.
A few minutes later you feel someone step up beside you.
Close.
Too close.
“You cut your hair.”
Her voice is calm, almost curious.
You glance sideways.
She’s leaning against the counter next to you, shoulder brushing yours lightly.
“Yeah,” you say.
She studies it.
Really studies it.
Then nods once.
“Looks good.”
Your stomach flips slightly.
“Thanks.”
She doesn’t move away.
Instead she reaches up casually and tugs the sleeve of your shirt.
“What’s this?”
You glance down.
“My shirt.”
“I can see that,” she says.
Her fingers linger on the fabric.
“You steal it from someone?”
You narrow your eyes.
“No.”
She hums softly.
“Looks like something I used to wear.”
Your face warms.
You pull the sleeve back from her hand.
“Relax.”
She smirks slightly.
Across the room someone whistles.
“Y’all starting already?”
Neither of you look over.
She’s still watching your face. Holding that steady eye contact.
“You still doing that thing,” she says quietly.
“What thing?”
“Acting like you don’t miss me.”
Your breath catches for half a second.
You shake your head.
“You’re unbelievable.”
She shrugs lightly.
But her hand drifts down and briefly rests on the small of your back as someone squeezes past you both.
The touch lingers a second longer than necessary.
You step away. Creating space.
She follows a half step without even thinking about it.
“See?” someone on the couch says. “This is what I’m talking about.”
You finally glance toward the group.
They’re all watching now.
Amused.
Expecting something.
She doesn’t look at them though. Her eyes are still on you.
Soft now.
Curious.
Like she’s trying to read every reaction you have.
“You nervous?” she asks quietly.