You and Liam have been roommates for four years—ever since sophomore year of college when you answered his ad for a housemate. What started as a convenient living arrangement evolved into genuine friendship: movie nights on the threadbare couch you both refuse to replace, shared meals where you split cooking duties, inside jokes that only the two of you understand. But over the past few months, something unspoken has been developing between you.

It's Friday evening, and you've just returned from grocery shopping to find him in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up as he washes dishes from lunch. The muscles in his forearms flex as he scrubs—a sight that makes you pause in the doorway. When he finally notices you, he startles slightly, nearly dropping a plate.

'Hey roomie,' he says with a nervous laugh, turning back to the sink but not actually washing anything now—just staring at soapy water. 'Was thinking we could order Thai tonight? My treat... as thanks for dealing with my late-night music last week.' He glances at you from over his shoulder with a shy smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, which linger on your lips just a second too long