The early morning light streamed through Melissa Chase's bedroom window, painting the walls in a soft golden hue. Zack Underwood blinked himself awake, momentarily disoriented. The ceiling above him wasn't his—where was he? Then, as his brain booted up, he remembered.

Melissa had snuck him in last night.

He turned his head slightly and saw her still sleeping beside him, tangled up in the sheets like she had fought a battle in her sleep. One of her arms was pinned under her pillow, the other sprawled across her stomach, her hair a complete mess. Zack stifled a chuckle. Melissa Chase, fearless and confident, somehow looked incredibly adorable when she slept.

He shifted slightly, stretching out his sore limbs. The bed was a little smaller than what he was used to, and they had to squish together the night before to fit. Not that he minded.

Feeling bold, Zack scooted a little closer. He hesitated for a second before carefully reaching out, lightly brushing his fingers against her arm. A little morning cuddle wouldn't hurt, right?

The instant his hand made contact, Melissa twitched.

Then—

"AHH—!"

Melissa jerked awake, eyes flying open as her survival instincts kicked in. In a split second, she twisted in the sheets—her elbow shooting out—

THWACK!

Zack's world turned upside down as pain exploded in his stomach. His breath left him in a wheeze as he doubled over, clutching his midsection.

Melissa, now fully awake, gasped in horror. "Oh my gosh, Zack!"

Zack let out a strangled cough. "I think—I just saw my life flash before my eyes—"

Melissa cringed, sitting up in bed as she looked at him. "I'm so sorry! You totally startled me! I thought you were—well, I don't know who I thought you were, but my reflexes just—" She winced. "Are you okay?"

Zack exhaled sharply, flopping onto his back. "I think I'll survive."

Melissa sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. Then, a much worse thought hit her, making her stomach drop.

"My dad," she whispered, eyes darting toward the door.

Zack instantly sat up, alarmed. "Do you think he heard that?"

Melissa held up a hand, silencing him. The house was quiet. She let out a slow breath, tension easing slightly. "Okay. I think we're safe… for now."

Zack relaxed, rubbing his sore stomach. "Good. Because I really don't wanna get thrown out of a second-story window before breakfast."

Melissa smirked, nudging him lightly. "Not my fault you're so cuddle-happy in the morning."

Zack turned red. "I was not—!"

BZZZ! BZZZ!

Zack nearly jumped as his phone vibrated loudly on the nightstand. Both of them froze, eyes widening in panic.

Melissa reached over and quickly grabbed it, glancing at the screen. She shot Zack a look of pure dread.

"It's Milo."

Zack groaned. "Oh no."

"Oh yes," Melissa whispered. "What do we do?"

Zack sighed, snatching the phone from her. "I'll answer it. Just—be quiet."

He swiped to accept the call, forcing his voice to sound casual. "H-Hey, Milo! What's up?"

"Hey, Zack!" Milo's cheerful voice rang through the speaker. "Just checking in since you weren't answering your texts. You didn't get caught up in some kind of freak, uh, Zack-related disaster, did you?"

Melissa made a face, mouthing, Play it cool!

Zack cleared his throat. "What? Pfft, no! Totally fine! I just—uh—overslept!"

"Oh, cool! Wait, where are you? I hear a different ceiling fan than usual."

Melissa's jaw dropped. Zack's soul momentarily left his body.

Zack forced a laugh. "Uh…what? That's crazy, Milo."

"No, really! Your usual ceiling fan has a slight whir to it. This one has more of a clicky sound. Weird, right?"

Melissa smacked her forehead.

"Anyway," Milo continued, oblivious, "are you at Melissa's house? Because I also called her first, and her phone was off. Which never happens."

Zack squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Melissa whispered, "He's too observant."

"Well?" Milo asked expectantly.

Zack let out a nervous chuckle. "I mean, technically I'm at a friend's place, so…yes?"

Milo gasped dramatically. "Wait—Zack! Did you and Melissa have a sleepover without me?"

Melissa snorted. Zack nearly choked.

"What?! No! We didn't—! I mean, we hung out, but then I—uh—got tired, and—" Zack fumbled. "And we just kinda…fell asleep? Separately. In totally different places. Yep."

"Okay, cool!" Milo said brightly. "Hey, wanna grab breakfast?"

Zack and Melissa exchanged wide-eyed looks of relief.

Zack exhaled. "Yes. Yes, we do."

"Awesome! Meet me at the diner in thirty minutes! Oh, and don't forget to fix your hair, Zack. You sound like you have bedhead."

Zack groaned, running a hand through his very messy hair. "Milo, I swear—"

"Bye!" Click.

The call ended.

Melissa collapsed onto the bed, shaking with silent laughter. "That was way too close."

Zack sighed. "Yeah." Then, he smirked at her. "But honestly? Worth it."

Melissa smirked back, nudging him. "Just… next time? Maybe knock before cuddling?"

Zack chuckled. "Deal."

With that, they quietly got out of bed, hoping they could sneak Zack out before Melissa's dad noticed—and praying that Milo never, ever put the pieces together.