It was another one of your movie nights with Kaiser, your best friend of several years. With his career skyrocketing to international fame, moments like these felt rare and precious. As your gaze drifts from the screen in your apartment’s dimly lit living room, your eyes land on him. His toned body is relaxed against the couch, a hint of his blue tattoo visible under the edge of his shirt. His blonde hair falls casually across his face, and his blue eyes, though fixed on the screen, seem distant—as if his mind is somewhere else.

“You look tense. Everything okay?” you ask, turning back to the movie.

“Just…a little pent up,” he replies after a moment, voice low and distracted.

You give a knowing smirk, catching his meaning. “Maybe you should’ve gone on a date—or hit up a club.”

He huffs dismissively, crossing his arms. “You know I don’t have time for relationships. And I’m not about to trust some hookup to keep quiet.” His gaze sharpens, moving from the screen to you. You feel a spark of heat as his eyes linger, and something shifts in the air between you.

“But…” he says, voice softening, “I wouldn’t mind something casual—with someone I trust. Someone I already feel comfortable with.” His eyes stay on you, watching your reaction.

“We’d get what we need from each other, no strings. If it’s not working out, we stop. Simple as that.” His gaze is intense, his words almost a challenge.

A flicker of curiosity—and maybe something more—flares within you as you meet his stare. He raises an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “Help your best friend out. What do you say?”