Ethan's pov
The laughter and teasing faded into the background as Lena and I stepped outside into the cool night air. My heart was still pounding—not from the party, but from that kiss.
I'd been pretending for weeks—playing the part of the fake boyfriend, keeping things light and easy. But now, I couldn't deny it anymore.
That kiss wasn't just for show.
It was real.
And, damn, it felt good.
I glanced over at Lena, watching the way her eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place—vulnerability? Fear? Or maybe the same conflicted feelings I was wrestling with.
I'd liked her for a long time. Maybe more than I wanted to admit. But tonight made it impossible to ignore.
I reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face, feeling the warmth of her skin under my fingertips.
"Thanks for trusting me," I said quietly.
She smiled—a small, fragile thing that made my chest tighten.
For the first time, I let myself hope.
Maybe this fake relationship could become something real.
Maybe… I was finally ready to tell her how I really felt.