The weekend arrived, and with it came a strange mix of excitement and dread.
I wasn't sure if it was because Ethan and I were… finally out in the open, or because I was terrified of what that meant for Maya.
We decided on a casual outing—just the three of us.
Maya, trying not to be suspicious, had suggested a small cafe downtown.
I sat across from Ethan, trying not to stare, but failing.
Every time our eyes met, my chest tightened.
Every small movement of his hands, the way his fingers brushed the edge of the table…
Everything about him screamed dangerously close.
Maya, oblivious (or pretending to be), laughed at something silly I said.
But even then, Ethan's attention never wavered from me.
"You're really going to wear that?" he whispered, leaning slightly closer across the table.
I blinked.
"What?"
"That dress. It's… distracting."
I felt heat rise to my cheeks.
"Ethan!" I hissed, trying to look scandalized.
He smirked.
"Just saying."
I wanted to tell him to stop.
I wanted to tell him that Maya could see us.
But my body refused to listen.
Later, as we left the cafe, Maya wandered ahead to take a call.
Ethan moved closer.
Too close.
And I… didn't step back.
"You know," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, "I could get used to this. Being close to you like this."
I swallowed, trying to steady my voice.
"We shouldn't"
"Why not?" he interrupted, leaning so near I could feel his warmth.
I couldn't answer.
Because the truth was obvious.
"You're… impossible," I whispered.
"Not impossible," he replied, eyes dark with something I couldn't name. "Just… irresistible."
The words made my heart skip.
My breath hitched.
Then Maya's voice called from behind us.
"Lara! Ethan! Wait up!"
We jumped apart, pretending to be normal.
But neither of us could stop smiling.
Later that evening, back at home, I found myself replaying every moment.
Every look. Every touch. Every soft word.
And I realized something terrifying…
I was falling for him faster than I ever imagined.
And the worst part?
I wanted to.