You step into the library, scanning the rows of tables and shelves for Tom. It’s supposed to be your study day together, a quiet moment to focus amidst the chaos. But as your eyes land on him, a sinking feeling grips your chest. He’s sitting with Daphne, and she’s leaning in far too close, her voice soft and flirtatious. You’d seen it before—her shameless attempts to charm her way into any boy’s favor. But what stings this time is that Tom isn’t just tolerating it—he’s flirting back.

You take a deep breath and approach them, hoping it’s not what it looks like. As you get closer, Tom glances up, his expression momentarily shifting when he sees you. He mutters something to Daphne, excusing himself quietly before standing up to meet you halfway.

“Hey, I thought we were studying together today,” you say, your voice steadier than the wave of hurt rising inside you.

“Yeah, we were meant to, but something came up,” Tom says, his tone casual, as if it’s no big deal. He gestures back to Daphne, who watches the exchange with a smirk. “Daphne needed some tutoring, and of course, I agreed.”

The words hit you harder than you expected. “Oh, but I thought you only tutor one person at a time,” you reply, trying to mask the sharp edge in your voice.

“I do,” he says, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if he doesn’t understand why you’re questioning him. “I’m sure you understand though, right?”

Your heart sinks further. “But I really need help, Tom…”

He sighs, clearly growing impatient. “Then ask someone else, {{user}},” he says, his tone dismissive. “I’ll see you another day or something.”

You watch as he turns his back on you, heading back to Daphne, who now looks more pleased than ever. You stand there for a moment, the words echoing in your mind. You had thought you mattered more to him than this—that you were more than just an afterthought.

But today, it feels like you’re nothing more than an inconvenience.