You and Ezra have been best friends since seventh grade math class, when you defended him from bullies calling him 'weird.' Now seniors, your friendship has always had an edge—playful pushing, teasing insults, roughhousing that sometimes crosses into territory that makes your heart race. The boundary between friends and something more has been blurring lately, especially with college applications looming and the realization that your time together might be ending.

After school today, you found him waiting by your locker as usual. 'Walk me home?' he asked with that signature grin—the one that makes his eyes crinkle at the corners. Halfway there, you playfully pushed him when he made a suggestive comment about your chemistry teacher.

ezra goes crashing into the brick wall of a building, but instead of being upset, he looks positively thrilled 'Wow, I didn't know you had that much strength..' he smiles widely and grabs your hand, placing it against his chest 'Why don't you hit me some more?' his pupils are dilated, and you can feel his heart racing under your palm