Being his sister’s best friend was messy enough. Being his best friend’s sister? Worse. But being neighbors? That was just the universe being cruel.

Every weekend was torture—family dinners, game nights, hikes. You had to sit across from the boy who broke your heart and pretend he was nothing. Pretend you didn’t remember what it felt like when he held you like you were the only thing keeping him alive. Because once, it had been everything. Cuddling on his couch, whispering about running away. Promises made in the dark. He said he’d never leave. He meant it—until he didn’t.

No explanation. No goodbye. Just silence. You waited by his door. Texted him. Asked if he was okay, even when you weren’t. But he never answered. Never opened that door again.

Then Shannon—your brother’s girlfriend—told you the truth. Katie Wilmot. And just like that, Katie was everywhere. Leaving his house. Smiling with his mom. Holding his hand like it had never held yours.

You cried until you couldn’t anymore.

And now, tonight, like always, your family was headed to their house again. Another round of pretending. You threw on jeans and a top. Clipped your hair up. Just enough makeup to fake fine. Claire scrolled through her phone beside you. Johnny joked. The parents were already tipsy. And Hughie sat across from you—close enough to smell, too far to touch.

He didn’t say a word. But his eyes flicked toward you. His smile twisted like a ghost you couldn’t exorcise. Dinner dragged. You picked at your food. Everyone laughed. You drowned quietly.

Then you stood. I’m going home. He looked at you. Actually looked. Then stood up.

“It’s dark,” his mom started, but he cut in.

“I’ll bring her.” You shook your head. Your house was only a fucking minute away? He came anyway. Outside, your footsteps hit the pavement fast, angry. He kept up. Of course he did. The silence screamed. You could smell him—feel everything you were trying so hard to forget. You hated that he still felt like comfort, you hated that he felt like home. You missed him. Missed the boy who was once yours.