Leo knew he should say no. He had a midterm at eight. But Ally was already standing, her backpack slung over one shoulder, looking at him like he was the only person who could possibly keep up with her.
They spent the night in the belly of the stone building, flashlights cutting through the dust of a century. They didn't find a secret society, but they found a stash of old theater programs. Under the glow of a single LED beam, Ally started reading the melodramatic stage directions aloud, her voice filled with mock tragedy. In Love with Ally Barker
As the sun began to bleed through the high, stained-glass windows, they walked out into the morning air—exhausted, ink-smudged, and finally, undeniably, together. Leo knew he should say no