Chapter 19: Unspoken Truths

Iris woke up the next morning feeling the same. It was one of those rare mornings when she didn't feel the weight of the world pressing down on her too heavily. The sun was streaming through her curtains, and for a moment, she just lay there, letting the warmth of the light soak into her skin.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, interrupting the peaceful silence. Groaning, she reached for it, blinking against the sunlight as she checked the message.

Luke: You awake yet? Movie night at my place tonight. You in?

She smiled. Luke was always texting her about random things—sometimes asking if she wanted to ride, sometimes about a movie, and other times just to check in. His messages had become a regular part of her routine, something she looked forward to, no matter how busy the day had been.

Iris: I'm always in for a movie night with you. What's the plan this time?

Luke: You'll see. 8 p.m. Don't be late, sunshine.

Iris: I'll try my best, but I can't promise anything.

She sent the message and then flopped back down onto her pillow with a content sigh. Despite everything that weighed heavily on her mind—her uncertain future, her complicated feelings—Luke had a way of making things feel lighter. She didn't have to think too much about what was happening between them. In some strange, unspoken way, it was easier to just let things be.

Later that evening, Iris found herself walking towards Luke's apartment. She had chosen a casual outfit—nothing fancy. A simple hoodie and jeans, with her hair tied loosely in a ponytail. She figured it was just a movie night. No big deal.

As she approached his building, she spotted him leaning against the door of his apartment, waiting for her. His casual stance, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his hoodie, made him look effortlessly cool. He looked up when she approached, and his smile hit her like a wave. That smile—so easy and carefree, like he had no worries at all—was both comforting and... distracting.

"Hey, sunshine," Luke greeted her, his voice low and teasing. "You look comfortable. I was kind of hoping you'd wear that dress I saw you in last time."

Iris raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "I thought this was a movie night, not a fashion show."

"It's always a fashion show when you're around," he teased, grinning.

Iris shook her head, trying to hide the warmth spreading through her cheeks. "You're impossible."

They stepped inside, and Luke led her to the couch, making himself at home. It was already dark outside, and the apartment was lit by the soft glow of the TV screen.

"So, what are we watching?" Iris asked, dropping onto the couch beside him, her legs tucked beneath her.

Luke grinned, pressing a button on the remote. The screen flickered to life, showing a cheesy rom-com that Iris immediately rolled her eyes at.

"Are you kidding me? You picked this?" Iris asked, feigning shock.

"Yeah, I'm feeling a little sentimental tonight. I thought it'd be fun to watch something a bit ridiculous."

Iris laughed and leaned back, letting herself relax. It wasn't hard to do with Luke by her side. They were so comfortable around each other, almost like nothing else in the world mattered when they were together. The quiet hum of the apartment and the playful banter between them filled the silence, making her forget about everything else—about how much she had been overthinking things the last few days.

At first, they both focused on the movie, but soon, the teasing and laughter between them became the main attraction. Luke would make sarcastic comments about the plot, or Iris would mock the unrealistic love scenes, and they'd both end up in fits of laughter.

"You know," Luke said, leaning closer as the characters on screen shared a ridiculously dramatic kiss, "I've always wondered if people actually kiss like that. Like, with all the passion, you know?"

Iris snorted. "If they do, they're probably out of breath within seconds. It's all so... overdone."

Luke chuckled, his arm brushing against hers as he adjusted his position on the couch. "Yeah, but it looks good on screen. That's all that matters."

"True," Iris agreed, her gaze drifting over to him. "But real life isn't a rom-com. There's no magical kiss that solves everything."

Luke's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his expression softening slightly. "Maybe. But sometimes, it's the small things that make a difference."

Iris caught herself staring at him for a second too long, and quickly looked away, feeling that familiar flutter in her stomach. "You really are a hopeless romantic, aren't you?"

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Guilty as charged."

They fell into comfortable silence again, the movie continuing in the background, but neither of them paying much attention to it anymore. The air around them felt different, charged with an unspoken understanding. It wasn't that Iris felt uncomfortable—it was just that she couldn't quite pinpoint what was happening between them.

Luke wasn't just a friend, right? He was... something more. At least, that's what it sometimes felt like. But then again, he could be just being friendly, right? He had a way of making her feel important without even trying.

Suddenly, she felt his arm rest behind her on the couch, the back of his fingers brushing against her shoulder. She tensed for a second before reminding herself to just relax. They were friends, after all. This wasn't anything. He was just... Luke.

They spent the rest of the night joking and teasing, until the movie finally ended. Iris stretched her arms above her head, letting out a soft yawn.

"Thanks for tonight, Luke. It was... nice," she said, her voice quiet.

"Anytime, sunshine," he said softly, a warmth in his voice that made her heart skip. "You're always welcome here."

Iris nodded, standing up to grab her things. As she turned to leave, Luke caught her arm gently, his touch light but insistent.

"Hey, Iris?" he asked, his voice serious for the first time that evening.

"Yeah?" she asked, turning to face him.

"I'm really glad you're here. You know that, right?"

Iris felt a small, involuntary smile tug at her lips. "I know. Thanks, Luke."

And with that, she turned and left, her heart a little lighter than it had been earlier.

As she walked back to her apartment, Iris couldn't help but wonder—was it possible to just enjoy someone's company without any expectations? Was it possible for her to keep things simple with Luke? She wasn't sure, but for now, she was content. He was her friend. That was all.

And she was okay with that.