Jade didn't know why she felt this nervous as she walked up to Lila's apartment that evening. It wasn't like she hadn't spent countless hours with her already—laughing, teasing, sharing quiet moments—but tonight felt different. There was a spark in the air, electric and teasing, that made her pulse quicken with every step.
When Lila opened the door, her hair falling in loose waves and her grin wide, Jade's stomach did a little flip.
"Right on time," Lila said, pulling her into a hug that lingered just long enough to make Jade's heart race. "Are you ready for tonight's fun?"
Jade laughed nervously. "I think so… but I have a feeling I'm going to get distracted."
Lila raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Distracted by me?"
"Maybe," Jade admitted softly, feeling her cheeks warm.
Lila smirked knowingly and led her inside. "Good. Because tonight, distraction is mandatory."
They set up the living room for their usual creative chaos—blank canvases, paints, and brushes scattered across the table. Lila handed Jade a brush and leaned in close, their shoulders brushing. "Careful," she whispered playfully, "I might just sneak a little distraction your way."
Jade's pulse spiked. "Oh really?" she whispered back, trying to sound casual while feeling anything but.
"Absolutely," Lila replied, her eyes sparkling. "I wouldn't want you to get bored."
As they painted, Lila was relentless in her teasing. Every time Jade reached for a color, Lila's hand would lightly brush hers, sending jolts of warmth up Jade's arm. She laughed nervously, trying to focus on her canvas, but every playful nudge, every lingering glance made her heart race.
"You're way too serious," Lila teased, leaning close to inspect Jade's brushstroke. Their faces were only inches apart. "Relax. It's just painting… mostly."
Jade laughed, though her nerves betrayed her. "Mostly?" she asked, her voice soft.
"Mostly," Lila confirmed, brushing a strand of hair from Jade's face. The touch lingered just a second too long. Jade felt the warmth spread through her chest, an excitement she couldn't ignore.
They moved to the couch for a short break, sipping tea. Lila leaned close, knees brushing Jade's. "You know," she said, voice low and teasing, "I could stare at you like this all night."
Jade's cheeks flushed. "You could?" she whispered, feeling her pulse quicken.
"Definitely," Lila said, smirking. "Though I might get distracted by your smile."
Jade's breath caught. She tried to tease back but found her words faltering. Instead, she let herself smile softly, captivated by the warmth in Lila's gaze.
As the evening went on, the flirting grew bolder, though still playful. Lila would nudge her knee with hers when she laughed, brush her hand lightly when reaching for a paintbrush, or lean close under the pretense of showing her a technique. Every small contact sent sparks through Jade, leaving her heart pounding and her mind swirling with curiosity and excitement.
"You're blushing again," Lila whispered at one point, tilting her head to study Jade's face.
"I… am not!" Jade protested, though her ears warmed at the accusation.
Lila grinned knowingly. "Uh-huh. Sure you're not. I can see it. Every time I smile, you get flustered."
Jade laughed nervously, trying to hide it, but the warmth in her chest wouldn't let her. "Maybe… maybe it's just the paint," she said weakly.
"Or maybe it's me," Lila said softly, leaning just slightly closer so their shoulders touched. The closeness made Jade's stomach flutter uncontrollably.
Jade's pulse raced. She wanted to tease back, to act casual, but the truth was undeniable. Every glance, every brush of skin, every teasing word from Lila made her heart ache with excitement. She wanted more—more of the flirtation, more of the gentle touches, more of the warmth that seemed to radiate from Lila.
At one point, Lila leaned over under the pretense of examining Jade's painting, her face inches from Jade's. "You know," she whispered, voice low and teasing, "I think you enjoy noticing me as much as I enjoy noticing you."
Jade's cheeks heated. "I… maybe I do," she admitted, her voice soft.
Lila's grin softened into something tender, eyes warm. "Good," she murmured. "Because I think this is just the beginning."
By the end of the night, they were sitting close on the couch, paint-smeared and laughing softly. Every playful touch, every flirtatious glance, had brought them closer, leaving Jade's heart racing and mind spinning.
As she walked home later, the city lights glittering around her, Jade realized something undeniable: she wanted more. More moments, more laughter, more flirtation, more closeness. She didn't know exactly where this path would lead, but she wanted to explore it—step by step, spark by spark, with Lila by her side.
And for the first time in a long time, she felt alive, curious, and ready to see where her feelings might take her.