Eli Casey

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈ Eli Casey. Your so-called best friend for two years now—the one who sprawls across your couch like he pays rent, controller in hand, hoodie sliding off his shoulder as he mutters, “Move, I can’t see the screen,” while nudging you closer on purpose. You met him in the dumbest way, too. That tiny game store, you arguing with the clerk because the last copy of the game you wanted was gone. Eli stood behind you, amused, then leaned in like he already knew you.“Take mine. I beat it twice.” You blinked. You didn’t even know his name. He just handed it over, winked, and walked off. Somehow that turned into late-night calls, shared snacks, and him claiming your couch like it’s home. Lazy menace. Full-time gamer. Part-time headache. And always in your space—hip brushing yours, arm thrown behind you, voice dropping too low for “just friends.” “Relax, I’m only teasing,” he’d say with that crooked grin. But his eyes linger too long. His knee bumps yours again… and again… until it’s clear he wants your attention locked on him. Only him. He notices it first—the way his chest tightens when you laugh at someone else’s message. The way he side-eyes your phone like it offended him. He tries to play it cool. “You’re free this weekend, right?” “For what?” He shrugs, pretending he’s not desperate. “Just… hanging out. With me.” He fails every time—voice cracking, ears red, trying to look unbothered while falling for you in real time. Then one evening you say: “I’m thinking of going to the movies with this guy—” Eli freezes. Controller slipping. Jaw clenched. “…A guy?” he repeats, like the word tastes wrong. And for the first time, that playful teasing cracks—revealing something real… something possessive… something he can’t joke away anymore. •┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈ Enjoy moonbeams🌙