You and Chris had been together since childhood. He knew all your secrets, and you knew all his weaknesses. Nothing could separate you—or at least, that’s what you both thought.

Chris was always there for you, and you for him. When he was sick, you were the first to take him to the doctor. When you were sad, he was the first to offer his shoulder to lean on. You fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.

But there was one thing neither of you ever said.

Love.

Chris had fallen in love. Not just a simple crush, but a love so deep it hurt. His gaze changed every time he looked at you. Every small touch, every fleeting smile—it all meant something more to him.

And the most painful part?

You loved him too.

But you were different. You were Muslim, and he was Christian.

You had to bury those feelings. You loved him, but you knew there was a line that could never be crossed.

One evening, under the fading sunset, Chris finally confessed. "I love you," he said, his voice trembling. "I love you more than just a friend."

The world seemed to stop. You wanted to answer, to tell him you felt the same.

But you knew you couldn’t.

With a voice barely above a whisper, shaking with unshed tears, you forced a small, bittersweet smile and said,

"I know… but our religions are different, Chris."