Love in the Spotlight

Flirting Fireworks

The sun streamed through the blinds in Gianna's room, casting golden streaks across the bed where she lay scrolling through her phone. She barely noticed Hana standing in the doorway until a low whistle broke her focus.

"Damn, Gigi, the lighting's doing you favors this morning," Hana said with a lopsided grin, her hands shoved casually into the pockets of her sweatpants. She leaned against the doorframe, looking effortlessly cool as always.

Gianna rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're ridiculous."

"And you're gorgeous," Hana countered, walking toward the bed. She plopped down beside Gianna, making the mattress bounce. "What are we looking at? Cute puppies? Makeup tutorials? Pictures of me?"

Gianna snorted. "Why would I have pictures of you?"

"Because I'm cute," Hana said, feigning offense. "And totally boyfriend-material. Or, well, girlfriend-material in this case."

Gianna gave her a playful shove, but Hana caught her hand and kissed her knuckles, her eyes glinting with mischief. "See? Smooth."

Gianna laughed, trying to pull her hand back, but Hana held on. "Hana, seriously. You're so full of yourself."

"Full of love for you," Hana said dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "I'm basically a hopeless romantic when it comes to you, Gigi."

"Hopeless is right," Gianna shot back, but her cheeks turned pink as Hana's expression softened.

"Admit it," Hana said, leaning closer. "You like it when I flirt with you."

Gianna didn't answer right away, which was all the confirmation Hana needed. Smirking, she stood up and stretched, the hem of her hoodie lifting just enough to reveal a sliver of her toned stomach. Gianna glanced away quickly, but not quickly enough.

"Oh, caught you staring," Hana teased. "Should I give you a better view?"

"Hana!" Gianna buried her face in her hands, but she was laughing. "Why are you like this?"

"Because it makes you smile," Hana said, her voice softer now. She knelt down beside the bed so they were eye level. "And I love your smile."

Gianna peeked at her from between her fingers. "You're impossible."

"Impossible not to love," Hana quipped, then dodged a pillow Gianna threw at her.

Later, when they were sitting on the couch watching a movie, Hana draped an arm around Gianna's shoulders. Every few minutes, she'd whisper something flirty in Gianna's ear.

"Did I mention how good you smell today?"

"You know, if I weren't already yours, I'd be trying to get your number."

"You're seriously out here looking like a goddess and expecting me to focus on this movie?"

The movie credits rolled, but neither Gianna nor Hana moved from their spot on the couch. The cozy warmth of the room wrapped around them, and Gianna rested her head on Hana's shoulder, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the hem of Hana's hoodie.

"Alright, you've had your fun," Gianna murmured, glancing up at Hana. "Flirting marathon over?"

Hana tilted her head down, her brown eyes sparkling with playful defiance. "Over? Babe, I'm just getting started."

Gianna let out an exaggerated groan, but before she could retort, Hana tugged her closer, wrapping her arms around her in a snug embrace. "Relax, Gigi. You secretly love it."

"I secretly tolerate it," Gianna corrected, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "Big difference."

Hana chuckled, leaning down so their faces were only inches apart. "Tolerate this, then." She brushed her lips against Gianna's forehead before trailing a series of light kisses along her temple and cheek.

Gianna squirmed, trying to hold back her laughter. "Hana, stop! That tickles!"

"Say you love me," Hana teased, peppering kisses down to her jawline.

"Never!" Gianna cried dramatically, but her giggles betrayed her.

"Oh, it's on now," Hana said, tightening her hold and launching a full-on tickle attack. Gianna squealed, attempting to wriggle out of Hana's grasp, but there was no escape.

"Okay, okay! I give up!" Gianna gasped between laughs.

"Say it," Hana demanded, her voice mock-serious as she paused her assault.

Gianna huffed, her face flushed and hair mussed. "Fine. I love you, you relentless flirt."

Hana grinned triumphantly and leaned back, resting her arms on the couch. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Gianna rolled her eyes but snuggled back into Hana's side, her hand resting on Hana's chest. "You're insufferable."

"And yet you're still here," Hana pointed out, kissing the top of Gianna's head.

The two sat in comfortable silence for a while, the hum of the TV and the faint scent of vanilla candles filling the room. Gianna found herself tracing invisible patterns on Hana's hoodie with her finger, her earlier exasperation melting into contentment.

Suddenly, Hana broke the silence. "Hey, Gigi?"

"Yeah?" Gianna tilted her head up to look at her.

"I think you've got something on your lips," Hana said, her voice dripping with faux innocence.

"What?" Gianna asked, frowning. She rubbed her thumb across her bottom lip. "What is it?"

Hana smirked. "Me."

Before Gianna could roll her eyes or fire back a sarcastic remark, Hana leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. Gianna melted into it, her hands slipping around Hana's neck as the teasing melted away, leaving only the warmth of their connection.

When they finally pulled apart, Gianna shook her head with a soft laugh. "You really don't quit, do you?"

"Not when it comes to you," Hana said, her voice sincere. "You're worth every cheesy line and every ridiculous joke. Just so you know."

Gianna smiled, leaning her forehead against Hana's. "You're lucky I love you."

"And you're lucky I love you more," Hana replied, earning herself a playful shove and another kiss from the girl who made all her teasing worth it.