The sky was already turning dark when Lily and Ethan left the library.
Streetlights flickered on one by one, glowing softly across the school parking lot. The evening air was cool, and Lily hugged her jacket tighter around herself.
"Walk you home?" Ethan asked.
She hesitated. "I live a few blocks away."
"I know," he said. "I've seen which street you turn on."
She raised an eyebrow. "Are you stalking me now?"
He laughed. "Relax. I just notice things."
She rolled her eyes but nodded. "Fine. But no jokes."
"No promises."
They walked side by side, their shoulders brushing now and then.
For once, the silence wasn't awkward.
"So," Ethan said, "window girl."
She smiled. "Don't call me that."
"I like it."
She shook her head. "You're impossible."
He stopped walking.
"Lily."
She turned to face him.
The streetlight above them cast a soft glow on his face. His eyes looked different tonight — calmer, quieter.
"I'm sorry," he said. "For being a jerk when you first got here."
Her heart skipped. "You were."
He smiled. "I know. I just didn't expect you to… matter."
She swallowed. "What does that mean?"
He stepped closer.
"Since you came, everything feels different. And I don't hate that."
Her breath caught.
They stood inches apart.
She could feel his warmth.
Smell his cologne.
Hear his heartbeat.
He lifted his hand slowly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Lily…" he whispered.
Her eyes fluttered closed.
He leaned in.
So did she.
Their lips were just about to touch—
A car passed by, its headlights flashing across them.
They pulled apart instantly.
Lily's heart was pounding.
Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "I— I should go."
She nodded quickly. "Yeah. Me too."
They stood there for a second longer.
Neither of them wanted to leave.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he said softly.
"Tomorrow," she echoed.
He walked away.
Lily stood there, touching her lips.
They hadn't kissed.
But somehow…
it felt like they already had.