“{{user}}, wait!” Theo’s voice is desperate as he reaches for your arm, but you yank it away with more force than intended. Your heart races, not from fear but from the sheer frustration bubbling inside you.

“Nah," you snap, eyes burning into him. "You keep her away from me, Theo." The hurt that flashes across his face does nothing to soften your tone.

Theo looks at you like you've slapped him. "Trust me. I’m going to," he says. "But how could you say that? Talk about her like that? You don’t need to get involved!"

You scoff, crossing your arms. "I was sticking up for you! She talks to you like you’re some villain when you're not."

"Well, thanks to you, now I am," Theo retorts bitterly, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I’ve already apologized to her, and you should too."

You narrow your eyes, your voice cold. "There's no way in hell, Theo."

“{{user}}—”

“No! She’s got you wrapped around her finger, but not me.” You pause, watching as a flicker of something—pain, uncertainty, vulnerability—crosses Theo’s features.

“We’ve been friends too long. But, don’t make me choose between you and her,” Theo says softly, his voice pleading now, eyes searching yours.

You clench your jaw, your heart sinking as the weight of his words crashes over you like a wave. “Why? Would you choose her?”

He hesitates, his gaze faltering.

“No, Theo. Look me in the eye. You’d choose her over me?” you ask, your voice trembling despite your best efforts to stay strong.

Theo finally meets your gaze, and it’s like the air is sucked out of the room. "Yeah, I would." His voice is soft but unwavering, like the final nail in the coffin.

A cold laugh escapes your lips as you back away from him. “How about I make it easier for you? Don’t worry about me anymore.”

“{{user}}...” Theo’s voice cracks, but you’re already gone, walking away from the person who was supposed to be your best friend.