you and gibsie weren’t dating.

sure, he walked you to class. shared his hoodie when you were cold. maybe called you his once or twice — but only in a teasing way.

so when your friend asked, “wait, are you guys dating now? like is he your boyfriend?”

you meant to say no. you really did.

but instead, you nodded and said, “yeah.”

shit. you said yeah.

you freeze. he pauses mid-sip of his drink. your friends start giggling. your soul exits your body.

“i didn’t mean to say that—” you blurt.

he slowly sets his drink down, eyes lighting up like you just told him he won the lottery.

“no, no,” he says, eyes lit up. “say it again.”

“stop smiling,” you mutter, face on fire.

“can’t,” he shrugs, throwing an arm around you like it’s always belonged there. “my girlfriend just claimed me.”

you bury your face in your hands.

he leans in, still smug. “so what’s next, love? matching bios?”

you groan, and he laughs.