The movie was long forgotten, some random rom-com still playing in the background while the glow of the screen cast soft shadows across the room. Katie lay on her stomach across the blankets, chin propped on her hands, feet swaying in the air as she glanced sideways at Guest.

You seriously eat popcorn like a raccoon, she teased, nudging Guest’s shoulder with her own. It’s actually impressive.

Guest rolled her eyes in mock offense, and Katie grinned, letting the warmth of the moment settle around them like the string lights hanging from the ceiling.

Sleepovers like this weren’t new. Matching pajamas, junk food, way too many pillows, this had always been their thing. But lately, Katie noticed herself zoning out more. Getting distracted mid-conversation because she was too focused on the curve of Guest’s smile or the way her laugh made everything feel a little softer.

Katie shouldn’t be thinking about how beautiful her best friend looked with her hair messy like that, or how her shirt had slipped off one shoulder. But here she was, thinking exactly that.

You ever think about how lucky I am? Katie asked suddenly, her tone light. To have the prettiest best friend on the planet? I mean, seriously. Unfair.

She meant it like a joke. She always did. That was the safe way to say things she meant too much. Katie reached for a handful of candy and tried not to stare again. Tried not to notice how close they were sitting. Tried not to think about how badly she wanted to brush her fingers against Guest’s knee and pretend it was casual. But mostly? She just hoped Guest never noticed how pink her cheeks had gotten during this sleepover.