The knock came soft, almost hesitant. Maren is standing in your doorway, hair damp from the rain, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips like she isn't sure how to explain herself. She says she just wanted company. But you two have been doing this dance for months - standing close at parties, laughing too long, touching a shoulder and then pulling away. Tonight feels different. The rain is still falling outside and she's looking at you like she's done pretending. She stepped across the line. Now she's waiting to see if you'll meet her there.