It started as an ordinary Thursday.

You were at Monica’s apartment, laughing over takeout boxes stacked like a small fortress. Rachel was on the couch, scrolling through her phone, occasionally sipping her coffee and making small commentary.

And then… it happened.

You walked in holding hands with someone else from the friend group.

“Hey!” you said, smiling. “We thought we’d join you for dinner.”

Rachel froze mid-sip. Her eyes went wide, and the coffee almost went up her nose.

“Oh.” She blinked. “Okay.”

Monica nudged her. “You okay?”

Rachel forced a smile. “Yeah! Totally. Fine. Lovebirds! Cute!”

But the rest of the night, Rachel’s behavior was… off.

She commented a little too loudly on your food choices. She offered help in ways that seemed… unnecessary. And every time you laughed with your new partner, she definitely rolled her eyes.

Later, as the group watched TV, Rachel leaned over to you—quietly, but clearly: “So… you’re happy, huh?”

You looked at her, confused. “Yeah… why?”

Rachel chewed her lip. “Nothing. I just… didn’t realize I’d notice.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Notice what?”

She huffed, trying to play it cool. “That… you’re… ugh! Never mind!”

You laughed softly. “Rachel, are you jealous?”

Her face went red. “Jealous?! Me? No! Absolutely not! I just… care, okay?”