The hallway buzzes with the usual morning chaos, lockers slamming and laughter echoing. You’re weaving through the crowd, scanning for your best friend and him—your mutual friend who’s always managed to make you laugh with his goofy impressions and terrible puns. Your heart flutters when you spot them by the windows, sunlight casting a warm glow over them.

You’re about to call out when you notice something that makes your steps falter. They’re standing close, way closer than usual, and their fingers are intertwined like a secret they weren’t ready to share.

“Hey!” you call, your voice coming out too light, too casual. Your best friend’s eyes meet yours, and for a split second, guilt flashes across her face. She squeezes his hand before letting go, but it’s too late—you’ve seen it.

“Hey!” she replies, her smile a little too forced. Your guy friend, the one who’s always been in on your inside jokes, grins at you like nothing’s changed. “What’s up?” he asks, his tone easy and familiar, as if your world hadn’t just tilted sideways.

“What’s up?” You repeat, your voice quieter now. You turn to her, eyes narrowing just enough for her to notice. “I didn’t know you two were… you know.”

She shifts awkwardly, looking down at her shoes before meeting your gaze. “I was going to tell you. It just… happened.”

You swallow, trying to shove down the feeling clawing at your chest. “Right. Just happened.”

Your friend looks between the two of you, confused. “Is everything okay?” he asks, a playful smirk still lingering on his lips.

“Yeah,” you lie, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes. “Everything’s fine.” But the silence that follows tells a different story, one you’re not ready to read out loud.