Casey paced her room feverishly. She was so close, but so unsure. Should she tell him? Was it worth the probable consequences?
"Stop pacing!" Derek's scream from the other side of the wall made Casey jump. But she didn't stop pacing. She heard Derek groan, then stomp his way over to her door. Casey turned towards the door and spoke before he could.
"I like you! A lot! As more than a friend." Her hand went up to cover her mouth and her eyes were wide with shock. Finally she was speechless.
"Really?" His sarcastic tone made her wish she had just stopped pacing. Obviously, he didn't feel the same way…and now he was going to make fun her, too. She wanted to leave but was frozen in place.
Noticing her immobility, Derek took a few, slow steps towards Casey. When he was close enough, he reached out and gently took her hands from her mouth. Slowly, and watching her eyes for any reaction, he leaned forward and gently placed his lips on hers.