That’s when Taylor’s hand finds mine.
Slow. Careful. Like he’s giving me time to pull away.
I look at his hand in mine for a moment.
Then I think about a roof in the dark and I need you so much and Cassian’s arm around someone else’s shoulders.
I lace my fingers through Taylor’s.
And I decide.
It’s not what I want.
But maybe that’s okay.
• • •
Taylor shifts closer.
I turn — and he’s right there.
Peppermint.
Soft.
Easy.
Not like Cassian.
Cassian is smoke. Heat. Something that burns.
This — this is safe.
Taylor leans in first.
And I let him.
I’m so tired of waiting.
I’m so tired of being the one who never gets chosen.
• • •
His hand tightens around mine.
Our shoulders bump against each other.
He parts his mouth, I part mine.
And for a second —
I let myself disappear into it.
Let it be enough.
• • •
Then I look up.
