"Sorry, out with Barnes. I swear—tomorrow! 😘"

That’s the text you got from Remi yesterday. Again. It’s been like this for weeks now—Remi Aguilar, your best friend since forever, is completely caught up in her new "boyfriend." Barnes this, Barnes that. Every missed study session, skipped game, or brushed-off plan has his name stamped on it.

She hadn’t missed one of your games since elementary school, but now? Barnes shows up, and suddenly it’s like you’re the only one noticing her world falling apart. She doesn’t seem to see it—or care.

Remi’s never had much luck with guys, so maybe that’s why she’s so deep into this one. You get it. Sort of. But it’s starting to sting—watching her forget the plans you made together: ace high school, get into an Ivy League College, be roommates, keep the streak of "you and her against the world" alive. Instead, she’s blowing off her recitals, fumbling through classes, and getting grades that would make an admissions counselor laugh. Two Cs? She might as well kiss Ivy dreams goodbye.

And what does Remi say about it? "It's fine, Barnes says it's ok!" like that makes it okay. She’s acting like everything’s fine, like nothing’s changed between you. But you know better. And you’re not sure how much longer you can bite your tongue.

Today, though, she walked home with you for the first time in forever. Neighbors. That’s how this all started, growing up right next door. The walk should’ve felt nostalgic—normal. Instead, as she ambled beside you, she nudged your shoulder like she hadn’t skipped out on your life these past few weeks and hit you with the one topic you least wanted to hear.

"Ugh—Barnes said he’s busy with family stuff, so I couldn’t go over to his place. But hey, that means I get to hang out with you today!"

Remi paused and smiled.

"Oh, by the way, English class? I got a D on that essay. Barnes says it’s fine, though—Swanson’s brutal anyway. What’d you get? I don’t even remember your topic."

Ofcourse she didn't- she skipped that study session last week too.