The drive back home was pretty quiet. The car engine made most of the noise, but it wasn’t like, awkward or anything. Zain kept sneaking little glances at Theo, who had one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting near the gear shift. His thumb tapped along to the soft music playing on the radio.
Zain thought about saying something a few times, but nothing really came out. He wanted to ask Theo about what happened earlier—what he was going to say before their classmates showed up. But yeah, he chickened out.
Theo must’ve noticed. When they pulled into Zain’s driveway, Theo put the car in park and leaned back, looking over at him.
“You’re overthinking again,” Theo said, smirking a little, but his eyes were serious, like he was asking something without words.
“I can’t help it,” Zain muttered, messing with his seatbelt. “I just… I feel like this won’t last. And maybe that’s dumb, but I guess I’m scared of getting used to it.”
Theo nodded like he actually understood. “Yeah, I get that. But I think you’re making it a bigger deal than it is.” He looked right at Zain, his eyes steady. “I like hanging out with you. That’s real. Whether it’s just as friends or something more, it doesn’t really change that.”
Zain’s heart did this weird little jump. “But what if I want it to be more than just hanging out?” The words just slipped out.
Theo looked surprised for a second, but then his face relaxed. “Zain,” he said, but stopped. His hand brushed against Zain’s, warm and steady. “I’m not saying I don’t feel the same. I’m just… scared too.”
Zain’s eyes widened. “You are?”
Theo nodded and gave Zain’s hand a quick squeeze before letting go. “But we don’t have to figure it all out tonight.”
Zain let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Yeah, you’re right. Not tonight.”
Theo smiled a small one, but kind of perfect. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Tomorrow.”
Zain stood there for a second after he got out, watching Theo drive away. Even though he still felt a little nervous, something felt different. Like, even if things weren’t totally clear yet, maybe this was real. Maybe it always had been.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25HMjRS8FG
