It happened slowly.
And then all at once.
They were in the library after school, sitting across from each other, books open but forgotten. The sun dipped low, casting golden light across the table.
"You're not even reading," Amara said, trying to sound annoyed.
"I could say the same about you," Jayden replied, his voice softer than usual.
Her breath caught slightly.
There was something different in the air. Heavy. Quiet.
Dangerous.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.
"Like what?"
"Like… that."
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned forward just a little.
"Because I want to," he said.
Her heart started racing.
Amara had always been in control. Always composed. But right now… she felt like she was standing too close to the edge of something she didn't fully understand.
"Jayden…" she whispered.
"Tell me to stop."
She opened her mouth.
But no words came out.
And that was all he needed.
He reached for her hand slowly, giving her time to pull away.
She didn't.