Thomas had known from the start that it was strictly casual between them; he’d even expected a day like this would come. But as he held the wedding invitation in his hands, his chest tightened, the news hitting him harder than he’d thought possible.

“Married…? You’re getting married?” His voice came out quiet, tinged with disbelief. “I didn’t realize things were that serious. I mean, I knew you were happy, but this is…” His words drifted off as he tried to keep his expression impassive, his gaze tracing the delicate script on the elegant paper. There it was: {{user}}’s name intertwined with someone else’s, like it was always meant to be.

A part of him felt it was unfair to be upset, especially since he’d always been the one who had stubbornly avoided commitment. But another part—a part he rarely allowed himself to acknowledge—couldn’t help but wonder: why wasn’t it him?

He swallowed hard, the question echoing in his mind.

“Congratulations.” The words came out with a practiced calm, his Birmingham accent thick as he spoke, the sound of it rougher, more hesitant than usual.