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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I don’t know what it was exactly, the constant laughing, the way she leaned over into his space like she owned it, or maybe the fact that Connor didn’t seem to mind but something in me just snapped.
Laura tossed her hair again, brushing his arm “accidentally,” and then, giggling, offered him another bite of her brownie. Like it was some kind of game now. Jake made another comment. Aiden laughed. Even Yumi raised an eyebrow at me but didn’t say anything.
And Connor? Connor just took the bite.
I sat there, frozen. My smile was stuck, tight on my face like it had been glued there by force. I wasn’t even mad. I was… done. Done with being chill. Done with pretending I didn’t notice her touching him. Done with overthinking every look, every word, every maybe-this-means-something moment between me and Connor.
If she could play this game, then so could I.
I set my napkin down gently, leaned forward, and smiled sweet, effortless. Too sweet.
“Can I try it too?” I asked, loud enough that everyone at the half moon couch could hear.
Connor’s head whipped toward me so fast I thought he might get whiplash.
“Try what?” Laura blinked, confused.
I gestured toward her plate, my voice still syrupy. “Your brownie. You’ve been feeding Connor all evening, and I feel like I’m missing out.”
Yumi choked on her drink. Jake audibly said “Oh shit.” Aiden’s eyes widened slightly. Laura let out a soft, awkward laugh.
Connor stared at me like he had no idea what dimension he’d just landed in.
Laura lifted a brow. “Sure. I mean… yeah. Go ahead.”
She extended her fork with an overexaggerated grin, and I leaned forward still playing it cool. Took the bite, and sat back like nothing had happened. Chewed. Swallowed. Shrugged.
“Hm. Pretty good. A little dry.”
Jake coughed to hide a laugh. Yumi looked like she was trying so hard not to high-five me across the room.
Laura didn’t say anything. She just looked… mildly annoyed.
But it was Connor I focused on. He hadn’t blinked. His brows were furrowed like he couldn’t figure out if I was mad, joking, or losing my mind. And honestly? Maybe all three were true.
“Anyway,” I said casually, brushing nonexistent crumbs off my lap, “who’s up for something that doesn’t involve dying in a virtual car crash?”
Aiden sat up. “Honestly? I’m all for Mario Kart. Less screaming.”
Laura finally pulled her plate away and sat back, crossing her legs and pretending to scroll on her phone.
