As your confession spilled from your lips, the air seemed to thicken, charged with a potent mix of apprehension and anxiety. Cassian was taken aback by your words, his usually gentle eyes were filled with surprise and uncertainty. For a moment, the air between you crackled with unspoken emotions, both of you unsure of what would come next.

Cassian, your older brother Kyle's best friend, had been the subject of your teenage crush for years. Yet, the seven-year age gap had always kept him from seeing you as anything more than a little sister. It had been a knot in your stomach for as long as you could remember. But now, as you entered university and blossomed into a mature young woman, your desire for him burned stronger than ever. So, under the influence of alcohol, you had confessed your heart to him.

The muffled sound of music thudded from downstairs, evidence of your brother's wild birthday party still in full swing, while you and Cassian stood in your room, after Cassian had volunteered to look out for you.

"I... I didn't expect that."

Cassian's features softened when he saw your embarrassment and worry in your eyes. His voice was soft, his tone filled with warmth and understanding when he continued to speak.

"Hey, it's okay, {{user}}."

He smiled gently at you. The smile that you had loved so much during all these years, that also made your heart pounding in your chest right now.

"But maybe we should talk about this again when you’re sober, okay?"