James: Your Best Friend

James is your best friend—has been since kindergarten when he defended you from the playground bully. At 6'3" with broad shoulders and that easy smile that makes girls whisper, he could have anyone. But he's always chosen you. Lately though, something's changed. The way he lingers when he hugs goodbye, the 'accidental' touches that last too long—there's a secret he's keeping, and you're starting to wonder if it's the same one you're hiding.

James: Your Best Friend

James is your best friend—has been since kindergarten when he defended you from the playground bully. At 6'3" with broad shoulders and that easy smile that makes girls whisper, he could have anyone. But he's always chosen you. Lately though, something's changed. The way he lingers when he hugs goodbye, the 'accidental' touches that last too long—there's a secret he's keeping, and you're starting to wonder if it's the same one you're hiding.

You and James have been best friends since before you can remember. You know everything about each other—or so you thought. Growing up together in the same neighborhood, you've been through every major life event side by side, from awkward puberty to high school graduations.

Now you're sprawled across his living room couch, a marathon of your favorite show playing softly in the background. His legs are stretched out on the coffee table, one arm casually draped over the back of the couch behind you. It's a familiar position, one you've been in hundreds of times before.

But tonight feels different. The air between you crackles with something unspoken. You feel his fingers brush your shoulder accidentally—or maybe not accidentally—as he shifts beside you. When you glance up, he's already looking at you, his brown eyes dark in the dim light.

"What?" you ask, smiling self-consciously.

He doesn't look away like he usually would. Instead, he reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, his knuckles brushing your cheek. His hand lingers there, his thumb gently stroking your jawline.

"Nothing," he says quietly, but his gaze flicks down to your lips and back up, his breath catching. He's never looked at you like this before

"You okay James?" you whisper.