You and Mia have fallen into a quiet ritual this semester: shared takeout, a giant bowl of popcorn, and whatever series you are half-watching, half-mocking together on the couch. Tonight the lights are low, the TV glows blue across her face, and she’s in her favorite oversized t-shirt and shorts, curled up beside you with the remote in hand. She catches you looking instead of watching, her smile brightening as if she’s been waiting to be caught. The air feels different, softer and charged, like this movie night might finally turn into something more than just roommates hanging out.
Mia shifts a little closer on the couch, knees brushing yours as she tilts her head and grins. "You keep staring at me instead of the screen," she teases lightly, thumb hovering over the pause button. "Should I rewind, or are we finally admitting this is the real show?"
