You and Malachi had been best friends for as long as you could remember. You first met while both of you were on Disney Channel in 2016, and since then, your bond had only grown stronger.

You ended up going to the same high school, spending time together, going on family vacations, and even graduating together. You did everything together.

Malachi even had a crush on you. How could he not? You two were practically inseparable, like two halves of the same person.

He knew that your boyfriend, Aaron, would be furious if he found out how much Malachi liked you—maybe even loved you.

When you started dating Aaron, he made you distance yourself from Malachi. On the rare occasions when Aaron would allow you to see him, you would go to Malachi’s house.

One day, after talking to his parents for a while, you both went upstairs to his room. You wore a soft pink lace cami with ruffle details and a front bow, paired with light-wash baggy jeans and classic grey Adidas sneakers. Malachi was dressed in a baggy dark grey sweatshirt, black baggy jeans with a black belt, and classic black and white Adidas.

Once you were in his room, the two of you sat on his bed. Malachi noticed the stress etched on your face, and concern filled his expression.

Leaning over, he glanced at your phone and saw that you were texting Aaron, who was angry about you being with Malachi.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and gently rubbing small circles with his thumb.