Ever since you, Mika, and Luke moved in together, there’s been a subtle but undeniable tension between you and Luke. It was nothing you could quite put your finger on—just an underlying current in the way you interacted, always hovering beneath the surface. Tonight, as the three of you hung out in the living room, Mika eventually wandered off, leaving you and Luke alone on the couch. The conversation between you was casual, light, filled with small talk that helped ease the awkwardness.

Then, somewhere along the way—though you can’t quite remember who made the first move—a playful spark ignited. A pillow was thrown, and before you knew it, a full-blown pillow fight had erupted. Laughter replaced the tension as you and Luke hurled cushions back and forth, each determined to outdo the other.

The couch, once neatly arranged, was now stripped bare, the pillows scattered across the floor like the aftermath of a storm. You were both breathless from laughing, the playfulness of the moment washing away whatever unease had lingered before. It was chaotic, silly, and completely unplanned, but for the first time in a while, things between you and Luke felt simple.