Episode 4: Movie Night Tension

The safehouse was quieter than usual. Damian had let himself relax here, away from the streets, the deals, and the constant tension of running errands for their crew. Tonight, the plan was simple: watch a movie with the group, eat, and pretend life wasn’t layered with danger. But for Ethan, nothing could be simple anymore.

“Popcorn?” Ethan asked, carrying a bag into the dimly lit living room. His eyes immediately found Damian, who was already lounging on the couch. Damian’s posture was casual, but Ethan noticed how his fingers drummed absentmindedly against his thigh. Damian felt it too, briefly—but quickly shoved it away. Stop thinking like that. He’s just… being friendly.

Marissa and Jenna plopped down on the other couch, chattering loudly. “I can’t believe they canceled the next episode!” Marissa exclaimed, waving her phone around.

“Right? I was so ready for a binge,” Jenna added, oblivious to the subtle tension on the other side of the room.

Ethan sat down beside Damian, keeping just enough space to look casual—but close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him. His hand brushed Damian’s lightly, a touch small enough to be accidental. Damian stiffened slightly, aware of it, but quickly averted his eyes. It’s nothing. Just a brush of hands.

“So… what movie?” Damian asked, trying to focus on something else.

“Your choice,” Ethan said smoothly, handing him the remote. He let the words linger just a little longer than necessary. Damian caught the tone, felt a flicker in his chest, but forced himself to ignore it. It’s fine. Nothing’s happening.

The movie began, shadows flickering across their faces. Ethan let his arm brush Damian’s here and there, subtle but deliberate, while Damian’s heartbeat betrayed him. Why is this so… distracting? he thought. Stop. Just friends.

Marissa and Jenna were absorbed in their own world, laughing at jokes on screen, completely unaware of the sparks flying a few feet away. They didn’t notice Damian’s tense shifts, Ethan’s lingering glances, or the quiet electricity of every accidental touch.

Halfway through the movie, someone knocked over a bowl of snacks. Marissa squealed, rushing to clean it up, and Damian instinctively leaned closer to Ethan. Ethan noticed, savoring the closeness. And he thinks I don’t know he’s aware…

“Careful,” Ethan whispered softly. Damian’s eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly looked back at the screen. Why did he say that? Nothing… just a movie.

By the end of the evening, the room was dim, the girlfriends were dozing on the couch, and the movie credits rolled quietly. Damian sat rigidly, heart thumping, while Ethan draped a blanket over them both—a small gesture that Damian noticed but refused to interpret. It’s just a blanket. He’s being nice. Nothing more.

Outside, the city waited, full of danger and deals. Inside, the sparks between Damian and Ethan remained invisible to everyone else, including Marissa and Jenna, but fully alive for both of them. And for Ethan, that was more than enough… for now.

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