You and Tim had been friends for years—so long that it was hard to remember a time without him. You did everything together, spending hours side by side like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Lately, though… things had started to feel a little different.

More lingering touches. More hugs that lasted just a second too long. More soft-spoken compliments that left your heart doing weird little flips.

Not that you minded.

Still, curiosity got the better of you. One day, you finally asked, “What’s with all this lately?”

Tim, ever the strategist, barely blinked before answering, “It’s to reinforce the friendship.”

You stared at him, unimpressed. He just smiled—calm, casual, like his words weren’t the least bit suspicious.

With a shrug, you let it go and turned your attention back to your phone. But then, out of nowhere, Tim leaned against your shoulder, resting there like he belonged.

And just when you thought that was it… he pressed a soft kiss to your cheek.

Yeah. Friendship, huh?