He always thought it would stay simple—just the two of you, like it had been since you were kids. Friends first, always. The kind of friends who shared secrets, late-night talks, and that awkward, unforgettable moment when you both lost your virginity to each other. That bond had somehow twisted into a no-strings-attached arrangement, easy and familiar. No complications, no expectations. Just the way he liked it.

But lately, something was shifting. He caught himself stealing glances when you weren’t looking, his chest tightening whenever you laughed at someone else’s joke. His heart, which he’d sworn was immune to anything beyond friendship, was getting tangled in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

And then you showed up at college, smiling brighter than ever, your eyes lingering on someone new—a guy from your literature class. The way your face lit up when you talked about him didn’t escape him. It felt like a silent stab every time you mentioned his name or smiled in his direction.

One afternoon, the two of you were sitting in your usual spot by the campus café, a casual rhythm to your conversation. But today, he was quieter than usual, stealing subtle looks at you as you chatted animatedly about your new crush.

“Who’s that you're texting to ?” he finally asked, voice low and careful.

He smiled, but inside, jealousy was rising like a tide, and for the first time, he wasn’t sure if he could keep pretending this was all just casual.