The music thumped through the club, a steady bass that pulsed in my chest. Lights flashed in vibrant colors, casting dancing shadows across the sea of people. But for me, the night had narrowed down to just one person-{{user}}.

“You know, if you keep looking at me like that, I might start thinking you have a crush on me,” she teased, her eyes glinting mischievously under the dim lights.

I smirked, swirling my drink in my hand. “And if I do?”

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Then I guess I’d have to decide if I find that cute or not.”

It had always been like this—easy, effortless, like the universe had aligned just right whenever we were together. I should have said something a long time ago. But she was my best friend, and the thought of losing what we had kept my words locked away.

We had barely paid attention to anyone else, lost in our own world despite the chaos around us. Our friends were around, sure, but their conversations faded into the background. Every time she laughed, her fingers brushed my arm. Every time she spoke, she looked at me like I was the only one who mattered. Maybe I was imagining it. Or maybe, just maybe, she felt it too.

She shifted in her seat, reaching for her drink, and in the cramped space of our booth, she had to squeeze past me to get comfortable. Except she miscalculated. Instead of settling beside me, she ended up in my lap.

Her breath caught, and for a second, she froze.

“Oh my God, Ollie, I’m so sorry!” she blurted, scrambling to move, her face flushing in the dim light.

Before she could, I wrapped my arm around her waist, holding her close. My heart pounded, my pulse roaring louder than the music. If it weren’t for the alcohol coursing through my veins, I definitely wouldn’t have dared to do this.

“You shouldn’t apologize,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”