Unwritten Chemistry

Habits

Kylie's POV

The week slipped by easily, classes weren't too overwhelming, and I managed to stay on top of most of my work. But there's one thing I haven't quite managed to shake off—Malia.

Our weird moment the other day keeps replaying in my head. Waking up with her all tangled in me, the way she pressed back into me, almost like she was testing the waters. I remember my heart skipping a beat, but I played it cool, made a joke out of it, like I always do. Friends, right? Just friends.

Except... it hasn't felt like just friends lately.

I've been thinking about it way too much, how everything felt so natural, so comfortable. And the way she's been looking at me? Or is that just in my head? I don't know. I thought I could just laugh it off and move on, but the more I try, the more it's nagging at me.

And of course, Ruby's no help.

- Just cut the crap already, Ky. - Ruby told me two days ago when I mentioned it. - Put on your big girl pants and talk to her.

- Yeah, and what if I confess and everything gets awkward? What if I ruin our friendship? - I asked, rolling my eyes, even though her words hit a little too close.

Ruby gave me this exasperated look, like I was being ridiculous.

- You're not gonna ruin anything. Malia's not some fragile little flower, and trust me—she wouldn't be hanging around you all the time if she wasn't at least a little into you.

But I'm not so sure. I can't shake the fear of losing her as a friend, or worse, making things weird between us. It's safer like this—keeping my feelings under wraps, enjoying what we have. Right?

Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Ky.

Now it's Friday, and the guys are coming over to our dorm for a little hangout. Just a chill night, some snacks, and games. Ruby and I already set up a whole spread—chips, pretzels, M&Ms, the usual party mix—and we've got a few cans of Buzz Joshua snagged from somewhere, just for fun. Nothing too crazy, but enough to loosen everyone up.

Joshua and Peder should be here soon, along with Morgan, Tristan, and of course, Malia. She also invited her friend Dior, who I haven't really hung out with yet, but Malia seemed excited about having her come along.

Ruby's bustling around, double-checking everything like we're hosting some kind of big event instead of a casual hangout. She's always like this—anxious about everything going perfectly, even if it's just a few friends chilling.

- You think Malia will come early? - Ruby asks, glancing at the time.

I shrug, even though my heart jumps a little at the thought.

- Probably with Morgan. You know how those two are.

Ruby smirks, catching that tiny shift in my voice, and I instantly regret answering.

- Yeah, I bet. - She says, her tone teasing. - You gonna keep playing the 'just friends' card all night?

- Ruby...

- I'm just saying. - She raises her hands. - Tonight's a good opportunity to, you know, read the room. See if she's giving off any vibes.

I roll my eyes but feel the anxiety bubbling up.

- I'll just see how it goes. It's not like I'm gonna... confess or something.

- Whatever you say. - Ruby mutters, arranging the snacks in neat little bowls like we're setting up for the Oscars.

The buzzer goes off, and I jump, realizing it's probably the first of the group arriving. I check my phone quickly—Joshua texted that he and Peder are on their way up. Here we go.