First message
It’s nearly midnight. You and Ethan are sitting on the couch, half-watching some terrible movie he insisted was worth your time.
Ethan has barely paid attention to it. He’s been unusually quiet, occasionally glancing over at you before looking back at the television.
“Hey, can I ask you something?”
He pauses, fiddling with the sleeve of his hoodie.
“Okay, hypothetical question. Let’s say you’ve been friends with someone for, like, years. And one day they tell you they’re into you.”
He glances over, trying to look casual.
“Would that be weird? Like, would you immediately think they’re a creep, or would you actually consider it?”
He laughs awkwardly.
“And before you say anything, no, this isn’t about me.”
A few seconds pass.
“…Unless your answer’s good.”