Tangled Hearts

010

A few days after our last hangout, Walker invites me, Ellie, and Aryan over for a sleepover at his place. I'm excited, knowing it's going to be a fun night. Walker's energy always makes things more exciting, and the thought of spending time with him and our friends is something to look forward to.

When we arrive, his house is set up perfectly for the sleepover. The living room is covered in mattresses and blankets, and there's a table filled with snacks. The atmosphere is comfortable and laid-back, perfect for the evening ahead.

Ellie and Aryan are already settling in, talking and laughing as they pick their spots. Walker and I exchange a look before joining in on the fun, quickly getting everything set up for a night of board games, movies, and snacks.

As the night progresses, we laugh, talk, and play, but eventually, Ellie and Aryan crash, their energy drained from all the fun. Walker looks over at me with a mischievous grin, his eyes sparking with an idea.

"Hey," he says, his voice soft to avoid waking the others. "Want to go to my room and play some video games? It's quieter in there."

I look at the sleeping pair and back to him. "Sure, why not? But don't you think we might wake them?"

"They're out cold. Besides, we'll be in my room. Come on," he says, his grin widening as he motions for me to follow.

I agree and head with him to his room. It's dimly lit, and the setup for gaming is ready. Walker points to his large, comfy chair.

"Why don't you sit here?" he suggests.

I raise an eyebrow, unsure at first. "In your chair?"

Walker chuckles. "Yeah, but it's a little tight for two people. You could sit on my lap, though. That way we can both see the screen better."

I hesitate for a second but give in, moving to sit on his lap. It feels strange at first, but he adjusts us, wrapping his arms lightly around me to get comfortable. Once we start playing, it feels surprisingly natural.

As we get into the game, I find it hard to concentrate. Walker's arms are warm, and I'm acutely aware of how close we are. He makes lighthearted comments as we play, teasing me when I miss a jump or fail a level. His laughter is contagious, and soon I find myself enjoying it more than I expected.

After a while, Walker's banter fades, and I realize he's dozed off with his arms still resting around me. His breath is slow and even, his face relaxed. I can't help but smile to myself at how peaceful he looks.

Rather than move and risk waking him, I decide to stay put. I continue playing quietly, trying not to disturb him, though the soft sound of his breathing and the warmth of his body make it hard to focus on anything else.

Eventually, I stop playing and just sit there, feeling the comfort of his presence. Walker stirs a little in his sleep but doesn't wake, and I lean back slightly, careful not to disturb him too much. The room feels safe, quiet, and I enjoy the rare moment of peace.

When I'm ready for a break, I carefully shift in his lap and glance back at him. He looks content, still asleep. I smile again, wondering what tomorrow will bring but feeling okay with the unknown for now.

And with that, I let myself relax into the quiet of the night, the game forgotten for the time being, enjoying the calmness of the moment.