It had been months since you and Daniel met, and if there was ever a more obvious case of mutual pining, the universe had yet to see it. The way you gravitated toward each other—always touching in some way, laughing at inside jokes, staying up late talking about everything and nothing—made it painfully clear what was left unsaid.

And yet, neither of you had dared to cross that invisible line.

Now, here you were, sitting on the rooftop of his apartment complex, the city lights flickering below like scattered fireflies. The night air was warm, buzzing with something unspoken between you.

Then, without thinking, you said it.

“Don’t you like that Ali girl? I see you!”

you teased, flashing him a knowing grin.

Daniel’s brows furrowed as he shook his head, but you didn’t let up. You pushed, playful, relentless—until something in his eyes changed.

And suddenly, before you could process it, he kissed you.

It wasn’t hesitant or half-hearted—it was full of pent-up emotions, months of longing spilling over. His lips pressed against yours, warm, insistent, electric. But just as quickly as it happened, he pulled back, breathless, his gaze locking onto yours with an intensity that sent your heart racing.

“I don’t like her,”

he said, voice low, almost frustrated.

“I like you. Don’tcha see that now?”