Amy's Pov
The next morning, I woke up early, determined to take the bus to campus while Lucas and Anne would drive in his car. Lucas had scolded me countless times, insisting I join them, but there was no way I'd let myself be the third wheel.
It was only 6:30 AM, and a rare sense of readiness pulsed through me as I padded into the living room, coffee mug in hand. The apartment was quiet, the kind of hush that makes every sound feel intimate.
Just as I reached for the doorknob, footsteps echoed behind me. My heart skipped a beat-I didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Lucas.
He smirked as he slipped on his jacket, his hair perfectly tousled. My breath caught. God, he looked so damn good it was almost unfair.
"Like what you see?" he teased, stepping closer. His playful grin lit up the morning, sending a jolt of electricity straight through me.
I forced a scoff, hoping he wouldn't notice the flush creeping up my neck. "As if! You're so full of yourself." I rolled my eyes, trying to sound casual. "What are you doing up so early?"
He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he reached out and tapped my nose. "Why? Am I not allowed to?"
I batted his hand away, but the touch lingered on my skin. "Of course you are, it's just… unusual. Where's Anne? Still lost in her beauty sleep?"
"She's still asleep," he replied, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and posture relaxed.
"Oh. Well, I'm heading out," I said, turning toward the door. But before I could reach it, his hand wrapped gently around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. The warmth of his touch sent a thrill up my arm.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" His voice dropped, low and teasing, his gaze holding mine.
I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. "What?"
"Maybe a little goodbye?" he suggested, stepping closer, the playful tension between us thickening the air.
My heart hammered in my chest. "And what if I choose to leave you hanging?" I challenged, biting my lip, hoping he couldn't see how much he affected me.
He grinned, a spark of challenge in his eyes. "Then I might just have to chase after you," he said, his voice a soft dare.
I tried to laugh it off, but my voice came out shaky. "What do you even want this early in the morning, Lucas?"
He squeezed my wrist gently, his touch both firm and teasing. "Can you give me what I want?"
I arched an eyebrow, feigning confidence. "Depends. What's the price?"
He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "And what's the price? A kiss?" His words sent a shiver racing down my spine.
My face burned, heat flooding my cheeks. "Eww, gross, Lucas. Do you want me to wake Anne so she can pull your ear?" I shot him a glare, but my heart was pounding.
He laughed, the sound soft and genuine. "Chill, Amy. I'm just joking. Come on, let's grab some coffee. My treat." His eyes lingered on mine, full of mischief.
I hesitated, the tension between us simmering. "Go ask Anne too. Treat her as well."
He shrugged, lips curving into a playful pout. "I always treat Anne. Besides, she's still asleep. Come on, you've been avoiding me whenever I ask you to hang out alone lately."
I smirked, trying to regain my composure. "I wouldn't want you to get too attached."
Lucas winked, his grin widening as he caught the blush on my cheeks. "Don't flatter yourself… okay, maybe just a little."
I rolled my eyes, but the warmth creeping up my neck betrayed me. "You're impossible," I muttered, reaching for the doorknob again.
He stepped closer, our shoulders brushing. The contact sent another shiver through me. "Only around you," he whispered, his voice low and smooth.
I rolled my eyes again, but couldn't hide my smile as I finally pulled the door open and stepped out into the brisk morning air. "Fine! If you're treating, we've got maybe fifteen minutes. Twenty max."
Lucas followed, satisfaction radiating from him. "Fifteen minutes? You really know how to make a guy feel special."
I shot him a smirk over my shoulder. "Consider it a favor. And don't forget, you still need to wake up your girlfriend, Romeo."
He laughed, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Right. Wouldn't want her storming out, thinking I've been kidnapped by my best friend."
I gave him a playful glare. "Technically, I'm her best friend too."
"Exactly," he replied smoothly. "So if I get caught, we're both going down."
I shook my head, laughing as we walked side by side. "You're so dramatic. Let's get that coffee. I need caffeine to survive today's class."
He leaned in, voice dropping to a murmur. "And I need you to stop pretending you don't like hanging out with me."
I just smiled, letting the curve of my lips say everything our banter couldn't.
The little café on the corner was already buzzing with early morning regulars. As we stepped inside, the warmth and rich aroma of coffee wrapped around me like a cozy blanket.
After ordering two cappuccinos and some turkey avocado sandwiches to-go, Lucas nudged me with a cheeky grin, pointing to an empty booth in the back. "Ten minutes won't kill us. Sit," he insisted.
"You're impossible," I muttered, but slid into the booth anyway, my heart still racing.
I took a slow sip of my coffee, savoring the bold flavor. When I looked up, Lucas was watching me intently, chin resting on his hand, those blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Stop looking at me like that," I warned, narrowing my eyes playfully. "I know I'm too cute to handle, but please, show some self-control."
He leaned in, that playful smile never leaving his lips. "Too cute? Babe, have you seen me? I'm basically adorable. Like a puppy in a sweater."
I snorted into my coffee. "Delusional, much?"
He feigned a wounded look. "I'm just stating facts. If we walked past a mirror right now, it would instantly fog up from all this charm."
"Oh, you mean my charm," I shot back, raising a brow.
He grinned as he unwrapped his sandwich. "Sure, you're cute… in a chaotic, I-might-steal-your-fries kind of way."
I leaned back, smirking. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
"It's dangerously attractive," he winked. "I'd let you steal all my fries. Heck, I'd even give you the last bite of my sandwich. That's true love, right there."
I pretended to swoon. "That's the most romantic thing I've heard all morning."
"Exactly. I'm a giver," he said, taking a bite but never looking away.
I popped the lid off my sandwich box and pointed a chip at him. "You're lucky I didn't ghost you this morning."
He scoffed dramatically. "Please. You secretly look forward to seeing me. It's the highlight of your day."
I rolled my eyes, but a smile tugged at my lips. "Keep talking like that, and I just might believe you."
He leaned in, voice low and teasing. "That's the plan, babe."
The tension lingered for a heartbeat too long before I broke it with a light cough. "Alright, coffee's done. Time's ticking, loverboy. Go wake your sleeping beauty before she thinks we've eloped!"
Lucas burst into laughter, standing up and offering his hand. "If we ever elope, I promise to let you pick the cake."
I shook my head, blushing as I took his hand. "You better hope Anne doesn't hear you say that."
He winked. "Trust me, I'm counting on it."