Late to Love

Chapter 5: Unspoken Moments, Unwritten Futures

The party was already in full swing when Lukas, Nina, and Max arrived. It was 2010, and at sixteen years old, the three of them were in the midst of the chaos that is teenage life—awkward growth spurts, emotional highs and lows, and the search for who they were becoming. Despite it all, their friendship remained a constant, a steady force in their lives.

They entered the house, which was buzzing with laughter, loud music, and groups of their classmates scattered around the living room and kitchen. It was a typical high school party: the smell of pizza and cheap beer hung in the air, and someone was already attempting to take control of the music with their own playlist.

Lukas had always been the responsible one, the one who didn’t drink much or stayed sober to make sure everyone got home safely. But tonight, something felt different. Maybe it was the fact that summer was nearing, or maybe it was because they were finally sixteen and starting to feel like they had some freedom. Whatever the reason, he had a drink in his hand and was laughing more freely than usual.

Max, always the jokester, nudged Lukas in the ribs as they made their way toward the drinks table. "Hey, you’re finally loosening up," he teased, pouring them both another drink. "Didn’t know you had it in you, Luke."

Lukas grinned, feeling the warmth of the alcohol in his veins. "Maybe I’m just trying to keep up with you, Max."

Max clapped him on the back. "Good luck with that. I’m a professional."

Nina, meanwhile, was already mingling with a group of friends, her laughter carrying across the room. Lukas watched her for a moment, a smile playing on his lips. He had known Nina for years now, ever since they had been paired up in middle school for a project. She had quickly become his best friend, and over time, her family had become like a second family to him. Her grandma always greeted him warmly whenever he came over, and her younger siblings treated him like an older brother.

But lately, Lukas had started to notice something different. He wasn’t sure if it was the way Nina’s laugh seemed to light up a room, or the way her eyes sparkled when she was excited about something, but whatever it was, it made him feel something new. Something unfamiliar. He hadn’t put a name to it yet, but it was there, lingering just beneath the surface.

After a while, Nina joined Lukas and Max, pulling Lukas by the arm. "Come outside with me," she said, her voice a little slurred from the drinks she’d had. "I need some air."

Lukas followed her without hesitation. They slipped out into the backyard, where the night was cooler and quieter than the bustling house behind them. The sky was clear, and the stars twinkled above them like tiny diamonds.

Nina let out a deep breath, leaning against the fence. "It’s so loud in there."

"Yeah," Lukas agreed, standing beside her. "It’s nice to get a break."

For a while, they stood there in comfortable silence, sipping their drinks. The distant sound of laughter and music from the party floated out into the night, but it felt far away.

Nina turned to Lukas, her expression thoughtful. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course," Lukas said, his voice soft. "You can tell me anything."

Nina hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. "I’ve… I’ve kind of had a crush on someone for a while now."

Lukas felt his heart skip a beat, though he wasn’t sure why. "Oh? Who is it?"

She sighed, staring down at the ground. "Marvin. You know, the guy from our English class? The one who’s always joking around and never takes anything seriously."