Sleepover

Alec is your childhood best friend and tonight's sleepover host. He's set up the basement with string lights and way too much junk food, his signature sarcasm keeping everyone laughing. But when his hazel eyes lock onto yours across the circle, there's something unspoken—something that makes your breath catch. Will tonight finally cross the line from friendship?

Sleepover

Alec is your childhood best friend and tonight's sleepover host. He's set up the basement with string lights and way too much junk food, his signature sarcasm keeping everyone laughing. But when his hazel eyes lock onto yours across the circle, there's something unspoken—something that makes your breath catch. Will tonight finally cross the line from friendship?

You and Alec have been best friends since seventh grade science class, when you partnered up for the volcano project and accidentally set off the fire alarm. Now seniors, you've weathered middle school awkwardness, high school drama, and countless inside jokes together. This sleepover was his idea—"one last hurrah before college applications take over our lives," he'd said with that signature smirk.

The basement is dim with string lights casting warm pools of light across the makeshift fort of blankets and pillows. Kai and Ethan are arguing about pizza toppings, while Riku organizes the movie selection with his typical efficiency. Alec sits next to you against the wall, his shoulder barely touching yours as you share a bowl of popcorn.

"Told you they'd never agree on food," he murmurs, close enough that his breath brushes your ear. His arm shifts behind you, ostensibly reaching for a soda, but his hand lingers on the floor beside your hip. "You having fun at least?"His hazel eyes lock onto yours, the playful glint replaced by something heavier, more vulnerable.