I didn't expect much when Connor Sharpe followed me back.
Just some random notification while hanging out with my best friend.
But one simple "hi" turns into something neither of us saw coming.
A couple of years apart, different grades, and a millio...
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My throat went dry. I wanted to say something, but my voice just wouldn’t come out. So instead, I nodded, barely daring to breathe.
He smiled, a slow, almost victorious smile and inched closer.
Our lips were just about to touch, the air between us thick with tension, when suddenly—
The door swung open.
Laura stood there, holding her phone in her hand, her voice casual but breaking the spell. “Hey, sorry to interrupt, but Aidan said he left his charger in here. Can I grab it?”
Connor and I snapped apart, both of us blinking in surprise.
“Uh, yeah, sure,” Connor said quickly, stepping back and running a hand through his hair.
I sank back against the bed, cheeks burning as Laura smiled and reached past me to take the charger.
And just like that, the moment slipped away.
As Laura was about to go she paused in the doorway, turning around. She glanced between me and Connor like she hadn’t just walked in on the most awkward moment of my life. Then, with a bright smile, she said, “Hey, before we all head to bed, how about we go down to the living room and watch a movie together? Aiden said he got some snacks, and it could be fun.”
Connor and I exchanged a quick look, silently agreeing that a little normalcy sounded perfect right now.
“Yeah, I’m down,” Connor said with a grin.
“Me too,” I added, still feeling the flutter in my chest but grateful for the distraction.
Laura clapped her hands softly, “Awesome! Let me grab the snacks, and I’ll meet you guys downstairs.”
As she walked out, Connor reached for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Come on,” he said quietly, “let’s make this night one to remember, in a good way.”
I smiled, feeling suddenly lighter as we headed down the stairs together.
-------------------
We were all spread out on the big curved sectional in the Sharpe’s living room, the lights dimmed and the title screen of The Conjuring playing in the background. The air was buzzing with the scent of buttery popcorn, the occasional sugary hit of sour candy, and the low murmur of everyone trying to get comfortable.
From left to right: Jake, Yumi, Laura, Aidan, me and Connor.
Of course I ended up between Aidan and Connor. I wasn’t sure if that was Laura’s doing, she gave me a subtle look before sitting down next to Aidan or just karma testing me for almost kissing Connor upstairs.
The movie started with that eerie tone, the classic Based on a True Story line flashing on the screen.
I had just grabbed a blanket and tucked it around myself when Aidan shifted next to me, tossing one end of his hoodie over my lap.
