It was Miguel's idea.
"Group sleepover this weekend at my place," he said, slamming his lunch tray down. "Pizza, games, ghost stories—the works."
Aki clapped. "I'm in!"
Josh wasn't so sure. Being around Aki while pretending he didn't like her? Torture. But saying no would be suspicious.
"I'll come," he said.
Friday came fast. Miguel's living room turned into a blanket fortress. Pillows were everywhere, and a stack of horror DVDs sat by the TV. There were snacks, soda, and way too much noise.
By midnight, most of their friends were half-asleep or playing mobile games under blankets. Aki nudged Josh, whispering, "Let's go outside."
He followed her quietly into the backyard. The sky was clear, stars scattered like freckles across the night.
They sat on the porch steps. Close, but not touching.
"It's so quiet out here," Aki said softly.
Josh nodded. "Kinda peaceful."
She glanced at him. "Can I ask something weird?"
He looked over. "Always."
"Do you ever think about… the future? Like, if we'll still be friends in high school? College?"
Josh swallowed. "Yeah. All the time."
"I don't want to lose this," she whispered. "Us."
He turned to her. Her eyes reflected the stars.
"You won't," he said. "I promise."
She smiled, but it faded slowly. "Sometimes, I feel like you're hiding something."
His heart stopped.
"I—"
But then someone opened the back door. "Hey, lovebirds! Pizza's here!"
Josh jumped up like he'd been shocked. "We—we should go in."
Aki blinked, like the moment had shattered in her hands. "Yeah. Sure."
The rest of the night felt like static.
Later, lying in his sleeping bag, Josh stared at the ceiling again.
He had been this close to telling her.
But he backed out.
Again.
And he could tell Aki felt it.