-Julien Grayson:
The heaviness in my chest loosens just a little.
The thoughts of Ezra don't disappear, not even close, but they move to the side, just enough for something else to take their place.
Something lighter.
Something… interesting.
Kyle is still talking, but now I'm barely listening for a completely different reason.
Because now I'm watching him.
The way his posture changes slightly every time there's a sound outside.
The way his voice stutters—just a little—when footsteps pass by the door.
The way his eyes flicker again.
And again.
And again.
And I feel it.
That little spark of excitement is bubbling up in my chest.
Oh, this is good.
This is very good.
Before I can overthink it, the idea forms fully in my mind, sharp and clear.
And once it's there, I can't ignore it.
I sit up straighter, clapping my hands softly once.
Kyle pauses mid-sentence, blinking at me.
"What?" he asks, a little confused.
I grin.
Bright.
Mischievous.
