Elijah flirts with you like it’s normal—playful comments, small smiles, touches that linger a second too long. There’s no label between you, but he gets visibly jealous whenever you’re with another guy.

Then comes the double date your parents arranged.

You sit beside your fiancé, Alex, proper and expected. Across from you is Elijah, next to his so-called girlfriend, Callie. Callie is touchy—leaning close, brushing her hand on him—but Elijah doesn’t seem to mind. He flirts back, casually, as if it’s nothing.

“So, what’s your relationship with Alex?” Callie asks.

“U-um…” you stutter, caught off guard.

“More than friends, but less than lovers,” Alex explains calmly.

“Oh! So you’re both not official?” Callie says with a grin.

Alex simply nods.

“I get it,” Callie continues. “Some people don’t want to be official. Like me and baby!” She gestures at Elijah.

The table goes quiet after that, the silence heavy, charged with something no one dares to name.