unspoken confidence that made everyone else seem a little smaller in comparison. His dark brown hair was a bit messy, like he had just rolled out of bed, but

man, I'm Ken," he said, extending his hand to John with an ease

ely twitching. "John," he said curtly, his gaze lingering on me for a f

ah, just... busy with

alpable as if the universe had decided to throw a curveball into my already complicated situation.

plans for the holidays, pulling the conversation away from me and John. I was grateful for th

eing hyper-aware of John's presence. His proximity was suffocating, most strangely. It was as, the moment he wal

he part of the perfect boyfriend, charming, attentive, and full of little details that made him seem real. It was easy for me to fall into the role of a doting girlfriend, especial

I was suddenly aware of every little detail of the way his knee brushed against mine, the faint sce

little closer than necessary. "I heard yo

ely aware of the way he was looking at me as if I were more than just his best friend's sister.

good, busy as always," I answered, fo

by my nonchalant answer. "You sure? You lo

t talking to me as a family friend or my brother's roommate. It felt... different. T

looking good. Have you been working out, or is it just the holiday glow?" he aske

confusion crashing over me. What was happening here? Was it just me, or was

ut. It wasn't long before the conversation shifted to holiday plans, and once aga

e booming with enthusiasm. "Is it a love story we'

"It's a slow burn," he said with a wink, his c

oned anything about a "slow burn" to him, bu

t John, his eyes were on me, intense, thoughtful, like he was piecing something together in his m

hts. He gave me a small nod as if reminding me to st

I excused myself to the kitchen, needing a break from the crowd and the mountin

a voice ca

dy knowing who

ms crossed, eyes still on me with that

on catching me off guar

ying my answer. "That's not what I

of the way my mind kept drift

d quickly, forcing a smil

med like an eternity, he spoke again, his voice quieter. "You know, you don't

ly constructed walls. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say a

movie," he said, his tone casual but his eyes d

ng away from John. "Yeah, I'

but not before I caught a glimpse of something unreadable in hi

question lingering in the back of my mind felt heavier