𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𓂃⋆.˚ 𝐒.𝐇

F O U R T E E N

Ana chuckled softly, the sound blending with the quiet rustle of papers. As he skimmed the chapter, she found herself watching him—his furrowed brow, the way his lips moved slightly as he read. There was something about the way he carried himself that was so... magnetic. It wasn't just his looks, though those were undeniable. It was his warmth, his ability to make anyone feel seen, even in moments like this.

"It's a crush," Joyce's voice echoed in her mind again. Ana shook her head slightly, trying to banish the thought. It was a silly idea. She barely even allowed herself to entertain it. But the flicker of hope that came with it—that maybe, just maybe, there could be more—was harder to ignore.

Steve's voice broke the silence again. "Okay, seriously, can we take a break? My brain's about to fry."

Ana laughed. "We've only been at this for twenty minutes."

"Exactly. That's twenty minutes too long." He closed the book with a definitive thud and leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows. "What do normal people do during breaks? Watch TV? Eat snacks?"

"Normal people don't need breaks after twenty minutes of studying," Ana teased, but she reached for her bag anyway. As she rummaged through it, her Walkman tumbled out, landing on the bed with a soft thud.

Steve's eyes lit up. "Whoa, is that a Walkman?"

Ana hesitated, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Yeah."

"That's awesome! What's on it?" He picked it up, examining it like it was some kind of treasure.

"It's just a mix tape I made," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "Nothing special."

"Are you kidding? Mix tapes are the best," Steve said, already fiddling with the buttons. "Can I play it?"

Ana hesitated again. Sharing her music felt personal, like revealing a piece of herself she usually kept hidden. But Steve's enthusiasm was contagious, and before she could second-guess herself, she nodded. "Okay. Sure."

He grinned and slid the cassette into the player, pressing play. The room filled with the soft, haunting chords of "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. Steve leaned back, nodding along to the beat as the song unfolded.

"This is a classic," he said, glancing at her with approval. "Good choice."

Ana smiled shyly. "Thanks. It's... one of my favorites."

"Why?" he asked, his tone curious but gentle.

She fiddled with the hem of her sleeve, searching for the right words. "I guess... it's the kind of song that makes me think about what love should be like. Not in a weird, obsessive way, but like... wanting to always be there for someone. To notice them. To care."

Steve looked at her for a moment, his expression softening. "That's... actually really nice."

"Thanks," she murmured, her cheeks warming under his gaze.

The next track began, and Steve's demeanor shifted instantly. "Wait, is this 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'?"

Ana nodded, smiling despite herself. "Yeah."

"This song's amazing," he declared, standing up. "No way I'm sitting still for this."

Ana blinked, startled. "What are you doing?"

"Dancing," Steve replied matter-of-factly, already swaying to the beat.

"You're ridiculous," Ana said, though she couldn't help but laugh.

"Ridiculously fun," he shot back, holding out his hand. "Come on. You've got to dance to this."

"No way," Ana said, shaking her head firmly. "I don't dance."