Jade woke Saturday morning with Lila still on her mind. It was ridiculous, really—she hadn't even had breakfast yet and already her thoughts were circling back to the woman who made her laugh too much and blush even more.
She told herself it was just curiosity. Just the thrill of something new. But the way her chest tightened when she remembered Lila's hand brushing hers or the way her stomach fluttered at the memory of her teasing smile… it felt like more. Much more.
By the time Jade arrived at Lila's place that evening, she had convinced herself she was going to "play it cool." But Lila opened the door with her hair pulled into a messy bun, wearing a soft hoodie and shorts, and Jade immediately forgot every plan she had.
"You're staring," Lila said, smirking as she leaned against the doorframe.
"I am not," Jade protested quickly, stepping inside.
"You are," Lila teased, closing the door. "Don't worry, though. I like it."
Jade swallowed hard, her cheeks warming. She wasn't sure she'd ever get used to Lila's boldness.
Tonight, instead of painting, Lila had suggested a movie marathon. They piled pillows and blankets on the couch until it looked like a fort. Jade nestled into one side while Lila flopped down next to her, their legs brushing.
"Comfy?" Lila asked.
"Too comfy," Jade muttered. "You're going to make me fall asleep."
"Not before I distract you first," Lila replied, wiggling her toes against Jade's calf.
Jade jumped at the unexpected touch, swatting at her playfully. "Stop that!"
"Why?" Lila teased, her grin wicked. "You're ticklish, aren't you?"
"No!" Jade squeaked, though her laughter betrayed her.
Lila leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You know… you're kind of adorable when you're flustered."
Jade's stomach flipped. She tried to hide behind her cup of tea, but Lila reached over and gently tugged it from her hands, setting it on the table.
"Hey—"
"Relax," Lila whispered, her hand brushing Jade's as she pulled away. "I'll give it back. Eventually."
The room felt warmer, charged with something unspoken. Jade tried to focus on the movie, but she couldn't ignore the way Lila's leg pressed against hers, or how Lila's hand would occasionally brush her arm, deliberately casual but lingering just long enough to make her pulse race.
At one point, Jade glanced sideways and caught Lila watching her instead of the screen. Their eyes met, and Jade's breath caught.
"What?" Jade whispered, her voice almost trembling.
Lila smiled softly. "Nothing. Just… you look good when you're pretending to concentrate."
Jade laughed nervously, hugging a pillow to her chest. "You're impossible."
"Maybe," Lila said, tilting her head. "But you like it."
Jade hesitated, her chest tightening with the truth. "Maybe I do."
The admission hung in the air between them, heavier than anything Jade had said before. She immediately wanted to take it back, but Lila's smile only deepened, warm and tender.
"Good," Lila murmured, brushing her fingers lightly against Jade's hand under the blanket. "Because I like it too."
Jade's breath hitched. For a moment, the world shrank down to that single touch, that single connection. She felt like she was standing on the edge of something terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
The rest of the movie passed in a blur. Jade wasn't paying attention—she couldn't, not with Lila's presence so close, not with her own thoughts so loud. She wanted to say something, to confess the feelings bubbling in her chest, but the words tangled every time she tried.
When the credits rolled, Lila stretched, yawning dramatically. "Okay, confession time," she said suddenly.
Jade's heart lurched. "Confession?"
"Mm-hmm," Lila said, turning to face her. "You have to admit one thing you thought about tonight. No hiding."
Jade froze. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She wanted to say it—to admit how she couldn't stop thinking about Lila, how every glance and touch made her dizzy—but the words stuck.
Instead, she blurted, "I… thought you looked cute in that hoodie."
Lila's grin was instant, playful but soft. "Cute, huh? That's all I get?"
Jade's cheeks burned. "For now."
Lila chuckled, leaning closer until their faces were just inches apart. "I'll take it. But next time… I expect more honesty."
Jade's pulse raced as Lila's hand lingered against hers again. It wasn't quite a confession, but it was close. Too close.
As Jade walked home later, her heart still thundering, she realized she had almost said it. Almost admitted what she was starting to feel.
And though fear kept the words locked inside her, the way Lila looked at her—the warmth, the playfulness, the tenderness—made her believe that maybe, just maybe, she would find the courage soon.